Community Support for Amaya's Recovery

Last month, our beloved friend and working artist Amaya (Aiya) was deep in collaboration and rehearsal for her upcoming circus show, “Star Gazers: a Love Letter to Trans Youth”. After an intensive day of performing at Indigenous Fashion Week in Albuquerque, Aiya noticed a numb spot in her back. She consulted a doctor who suggested she get tested for some autoimmune related conditions and so she moved forward with a solo training session she had planned for the next day. After climbing 15 ft above ground on the chinese pole, she realized something was really wrong. Aiya experienced stroke-like symptoms that landed her in the ER. Luckily, she was not having a stroke, but many of her symptoms have persisted for the last nearly two months without a clear diagnosis. Nerve pain and numbness have significantly impacted her ability to participate in the activities of daily living, as well as forced her to at least temporarily stop her work as a circus teacher and performer.

Aiya’s next steps are additional imaging of her spine as well as appointments with specialists in Neurology and Spinal Orthopedics, but perhaps most importantly she needs to REST. Anyone who knows Aiya, knows how hard she works and how generously she shows up for our community. Now it’s our turn to help! We are fundraising for Aiya’s living expenses for at least the next three months so that she can focus on her healing and pay for alternative treatments not covered by insurance. With mutual aid, every small bit helps! Thanks for coming together to support Aiya!