Alex's Stroke Recovery Fund - Stretch Goal $23,000

321 donors

$19,802 raised of $15K

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Alex's Stroke Recovery Fund - Stretch Goal $23,000

Co-organized

Zach Dorn and Alex Ahr are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Alexandra Lopez.

On Friday, July 16th, Alex checked into the Henry Mayo Newhall ER after experiencing dizziness and a severe headache. Within an hour, Alex lost mobility in the left side of their body and could no longer walk. After an emergency MRI, the ICU doctors discovered a rupture in Alex's brain had led to a hemorrhage stroke. For an active and healthy 27-year-old, this news was a shock. Two days later, Alex underwent brain surgery to remove a benign mass that caused the rupture. Luckily, the surgery was a success and Alex's cognitive functions have fully returned.

However, due to the spread of blood across the right hemisphere of Alex's brain, they are facing severe immobility that has left them wheelchair-bound. In order to use their body again, they must commit to inpatient and outpatient physical therapy for at least three months. A full recovery is not guaranteed, especially since they lack the financial means to secure continued physical therapy care and remain among their friends and community in Los Angeles, California.

Through these challenges, Alex has remained in high spirits. Despite this being, arguably, the worst thing that has happened in their life, they still make everyone laugh; cracking jokes in the ICU, lifting the spirits of everyone who visits them. They are determined to remain in California with their friends and network of animators and artists.

This month has burdened Alex with many unexpected financial difficulties. Due to their stroke, Alex had to leave their position as an animation teacher at UT Austin and the CalArts Community Arts Partnership. They confront hospital bills, mobility equipment needs, and the costs of relocating from a second-floor apartment to a first-floor apartment near The Henry Mayo Hospital. Any donation will help them meet these financial needs and go directly to Alex's recovery.

Alex is a remarkable human with an unmistakable artistic voice. They radiate an inspiring delight for life and possess an incredible wit that leaves their friends (and strangers) doubled over in laughter. Their sense of humor and positivity, even after this traumatic brain injury, remains as strong as ever.

Recently Alex’s unique hand-drawn animations and dry, hilarious writing style have gained further recognition. Last year, Alex was selected for the Sundance Institute's Music and Sound Design Lab as they earned an MFA from California Institute of the Arts and completed their first film, "All of You at Once." As an up-and-coming indie animator, Alex’s recovery is integral to their craft and the success of their career.

Once they recover, Alex hopes to continue teaching animation to middle and high school students, develop original animated shorts, and get right back to trying every curry spot in Los Angeles.