Beat this damn thing, Michelle

“I’m sorry, I’m calling with some bad news. It’s about me”, she said.

After feeling extra tired and crappy having nursed a cold with antibiotics, Michelle returned to the doctors office Wednesday April 3, 2024 for a checkup. With the results of a blood test, she was immediately sent to the ER. The types of tests and the doctors’ faces told her that this was not coming back as “you have Covid”. Within the day, she was diagnosed with Leukemia and is now hospitalized for unknown duration at Mount Sinai. She is starting chemo within a few days and will remain in the hospital to protect her from infections for the duration. Her doctors are hopeful but given the speed by which they are acting, this is also intense.

As friends of Michelle, it is hard to stand by watching this happen. We are thinking of: her dedication, smarts and wit; her family Jimmy, Clare and Ben; what she has given us and her kids at Ballet and Beyond New York City; and the juxtaposition of strength, beauty and vulnerability. As the founder and executive director of the non-profit Ballet & Beyond New York City, that programmatically saves and supports 75 underprivileged kids in a seven weeks, for free, ballet conservatory program, Michelle is not a bond researcher at JP Morgan any more. She’s always been upfront about the risks she’s taking and the values she stands for. She carries the “lowest level of insurance coverage because they never get sick.” While we haven’t seen the costs of her care yet, it’s going to be crippling, concerning, and tough for her to get back on her feet.

So let’s give her a lift, let’s be her barre, let’s ease her mind. Let’s help her cover her medical bills.

If you’ve got time, sit down with your family to watch Lift, a documentary available on Amazon Prime (PG 13) (https://www.liftdocumentary.com/, https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CBL1XV8Q/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r). While you watch, think about this story in the context of Ballet & Beyond which systematically takes 75 underprivileged kids each year to raise them up, support them, and give them the wings to fly beyond their destiny. If you feel so inclined, here is the link to donate to Ballet & Beyond New York City. Michelle was about to launch this upcoming season’s fund raising campaign for BBNYC. She currently has a $60k need to pay for insurance, space, teachers, counselors and artists. She is determined to pull this summer’s session off with key positions already filled.

https://www.balletandbeyondnyc.org/donate-today

With much love,

Kirthiga and Anna