Fans of Hallmark’s “When Calls the Heart,” who often refer to themselves as “Hearties,” are honoring a member of the family. A former member of the WCTH set decoration crew, Cody Layton, recently died after battling cancer for several years. He was 29.
Word of Layton’s cancer was shared within the “When Calls the Heart” community in part by Sarah Mabberley, who worked as a set decorator on the show from 2018 to 2023.
WCTH Crew Member Cody Layton Died After a 3-Year Battle With a Rare Cancer
On February 22, a post in the Facebook group “When Calls the Heart – The Official Home of the Hearties” group shared details with fans. Hearties also shared details on the situation via X, formerly Twitter, and other online sites.
Mabberley was quoted in the Facebook post about Layton’s death. She noted that he had been “a part of the set dec team for many years and was truly a best friend and family to all.”
Layton’s mother, Amanda Layton, originally started the GoFundMe. In the initial description of the fundraiser, she wrote, “Cody is a 26 year old young man, who’s the life and soul of every party! He’s a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, partner and friend to many. We’ve always called him an old soul, even as a child.”
She continued, “He’s fun to be around, has a great sense of humour and can ad lib any line from any movie.” Layton enjoyed video games, along with playing softball and hockey. He was described as “Definitely a character and as charming as they come!”
In October 2022, after experiencing significant symptoms and getting few answers from doctors, the family learned that Layton’s “abdomen was full of cancer!!!” Further testing determined he had a rare type of small round cell sarcoma, Desmoplastic small round cell tumour (DSRCT). Initially, doctors considered it inoperable
Layton’s mother also revealed in the GoFundMe that he didn’t have any health insurance. Apparently, he had started a new job a few months before his diagnosis. He lived in Canada, so had the country’s coverage, but she explained there were a lot of medication costs that were beyond their budget.
His mother regularly updated his GoFundMe page. He went through chemotherapy for more than two years, which kept the cancer fairly stable. In December 2024, his mom noted that though the chemotherapy was helpful, it didn’t shrink the tumor enough to lead to surgery to remove it.
The WCTH Alum Declined Rapidly in January 2026
In January 2025 the former “When Calls the Heart” crew member began a clinical trial. For months, those treatments seemed to go relatively smoothly. However, in January 2026, Layton’s mom posted that he had started rapidly declining. On February 1, she noted that on January 20, doctors told the family he might die that day. They “prepared for the worst.”
At that time, Layton had a “severe bacterial infection in his blood, which progressed to sepsis, and he also had double pneumonia.” His mom noted, “Please, if you have been meaning to come and see Cody, now is the time.”
“My boy has put up the most incredible fight over the past 3 years,” she added.
The next GoFundMe update came on February 5, with Layton’s mother announcing he had died. “He passed peacefully and with so much love,” she wrote.
The GoFundMe has been active throughout Layton’s cancer journey, and remains active. It currently has a goal of $50,000 and has raised over $49,000.
Layton’s mother worked at the Acadia Drive Animal Clinic, which supported the family through this journey. In one Instagram post, they noted that Amanda Layton was their clinic manager, and Cody Layton was her oldest son.
After Layton’s death, the clinic wrote, “Cody fought with extraordinary strength, courage, and grace, surrounded by the deep love of his family.” The clinic noted that donations made to the GoFundMe now would help with funeral expenses. Loved ones held a memorial service for Layton on February 21. It seems likely that the family also faces additional medical costs that remain outstanding.
Layton’s obituary noted he attended the Vancouver Film School after high school. He wanted to pursue his dreams of filmmaking and acting. At the Vancouver Film School, Layton wrote a gladiator series script he hoped might be developed.
Layton’s family shared his favorite quote in his obituary. “There are many things given to us in this life for the wrong reasons; what we do with such blessings, that is the true test of a man.”
