Manny

Hey all, Manny here—your favorite Pickle Pana.

I’m not someone who enjoys putting the entirety of my personal life on public display, but I’ve recently learned it’s okay to not be okay—and right now, I’m not. So I’m here, asking for help.

For the past four years, I lived in West Oakland, where I built a small community hub. We had goats, a public recycling bin, a lending library, and countless shared meals with neighbors and friends—a place where everyone was welcome. I sold jars of my homemade, Michelin-recognized pickles out of the trunk of my car. People came in droves, sometimes shutting down the entire block for pickles and good vibes. That space brought joy and lasting memories to me and many others. Leaving it was difficult.

When I was bought out of my lease and asked to leave, I gave away most of what I owned, packed the rest into my car, and tried to start fresh up north. That plan quickly fell through, and now I’m staying with my dad in San Mateo. It’s not ideal, but I’m grateful for a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, and a familiar place to temporarily call home.

I’ve been living with a progressive, little-understood neuromuscular condition—FSHD2—for over a decade. Over the past year, it has worsened. Simple movements have become increasingly difficult. Even lifting a half-filled glass of water with my dominant hand, using proper mechanics, is now a challenge.

I recently lost my health insurance due to mounting medical bills and haven’t been able to see my neurologist or primary care physician for a long-overdue appointment. Coverage is expected to resume next month, if all goes according to plan.

Everything is real. Everything is heavy. Everything is real heavy. Yet I remain happy, regardless of my circumstances.

In the meantime, I’m staying grounded through regular talk therapy, weekly meditation groups , plenty of low-impact workouts, breathwork, and by frequenting a local church I now consider family. What’s up, Olivet Oakland Church!

As many of you know, I’m a chef. Due to my condition, I can no longer work in restaurants, but making food is still my trade. I’d love to be a private chef for events, families, retreats, and more. Any leads are welcomed and deeply appreciated.

I want to be very clear—my absolute biggest priority, and also my greatest hurdle, is securing employment. I’ve applied to countless jobs without hearing back, but I remain committed to the search. A steady income is essential to improving my current situation.

I currently volunteer with No Immigrants, No Spice as a Community Connector, helping expand this initiative that celebrates the role of immigrants in food and culture.

Eventually, I plan to pivot, expand, and enroll in community college. My area of study is still undetermined, but I trust it’ll sit at the intersection of human development and social systems. My goal is to grow in a way that’s both purposeful and sustainable—and to continue giving back as I go.

⸻

What I need help with:

• Any job leads

• Medical expenses

• Major car service + new tires

• Warm-weather clothes

• Basic living costs while I secure work and housing

⸻

I’m not looking for pity—I know many are struggling in these trying and uncertain times. But if you’re in a position to help, I’d be truly grateful, and your support will not go unnoticed.

Every single dollar will go directly toward stabilizing my life and helping me move forward with intention. If you wish, feel free to hold me accountable.

Whether you donate, share this with a friend, or simply send a little metta—thank you in advance. Your support means the world.

EKM