Dear friends, family, and extended community,

In November 2023 Antonio, whom many of you know as Ox, was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma shortly after discovering a ping pong sized lump under his right side collar bone. This diagnosis came after a year of odd and unexplained symptoms that had been tested and documented without any answers until the biopsy of the lump. This was not how we expected to be entering the new year but here we are and we’re going to get through this.

Ox and I have learned a lot about the disease these past 2 months but there is still so much unknown that comes with a diagnosis like this. We remain positive and optimistic for Antonio’s recovery but treatment and the healing process will undoubtedly be challenging and stressful as anyone can imagine. Treatment for Ox started and looks like a chemo port being implanted Jan. 10th and his first round of chemo on the 22nd. Chemo will continue every 21 days for 6 cycles. He will then be evaluated for possibly more cycles or even radiation but at this time no radiation is needed and we are so grateful for that. Fingers crossed that 6 cycles are enough.

During this time Ox will not be working full time, as his work is too physically demanding and chemo is too physically taxing. A large part of your donations will greatly help in this area. Lifting the weight of this financial stress and allowing Ox to heal without having to worry about all of that will make a huge impact in the year to come.

In addition, your donations will also support alternative methods of healing including but not limited to:

Included in the discomforting list of side effects from the chemo drugs is the likelihood of infertility. At this time we have preserved 2 sperm samples, one is paid for by insurance and the second was an out of pocket expense…not cheap. As some of you know we have been on a 2 year pregnancy journey, trying naturally and now our path is being forced in another direction. Ox and I would like to start a family as soon as realistically possible so the financial goal of this gofundme also includes support for IVF.

Big profound breaths of letting go, accepting change and trusting the process.

To be perfectly honest it feels incredibly vulnerable to be putting this out into the world but the reality of the financial burden of something like this is too great to carry alone on top of everything else. Every little bit helps and we are eternally grateful for you and your support.

We are already so grateful for the support of our families and the kind words we’ve received from friends. We welcome all the well wishes but we ask that folks respect our space, time and to please be mindful with any advice you are inspired to give. If you wish to reach out personally please email us.

I will do everything within my power to nourish him, mind, body and soul, as well as help keep track of the overwhelming medical responsibilities. I will continue to hold space for him, to be soft when times are hard, to share laughter and get out in nature.

Antonio is strong, he’s patient and he is loved and supported by so many. I trust he will come out on the other side even stronger and filled with a deep gratitude for all the lessons and joys life offers him. He is Thee Ox for a reason ;)

I want everyone to know that we are ok and so So appreciative of all the support.

We love you.

Tread lightly and stay lifted <3<3

Much love

Analise