Maggie Perez and Paul Laskey lost their child Ellis Lynn Perez on October 8th, 2025.

Ellis was a poet, a collage artist, an activist, and a queer community member in Minnesota. They touched the lives of thousands through vulnerable performances and online in disability justice spaces within the cystic fibrosis community.

Ellis' rare form of CF was studied by doctors and researchers. Their cells are alive now in test tubes and labs across the midwest. Even in their passing, they are helping people. That is who they were. Ellis would give anybody anything. Katie, Ellis' international penpal friend, remembers receiving one of El's shirts in the mail and thinking "Who does that? who would give a stranger the shirt off their back?" Ellis would. They had an unmatchable grace and generosity for all people.

Maggie and Paul are devastated by the loss of their child. Their stress is compounded by the economic situation we are all in and the need to provide solace not just for themselves but for their other five children- who Ellis held impossibly close.

Let us be inspired by Ellis' manner,

may we emulate their spirit of

giving. These funds are meant to directly offset costs associated to end of life, including time off work to be together. We are asking for community to show up in this material way so Maggie and Paul can secure the future of their family after a period of profound difficulty. We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding as the family asks for space and time. They are reading all your messages, though responses may be slow. As always please send any photos, videos, or memories to [email redacted]

Con tanto amor,

Lu & Keila