In 2020, life as we all knew it, drastically changed. 2021 promised to be better but seems to continue in the path of unknowns and hardships. This has been the case for our B. Paul. B struggled with what they thought was stomach pain or even food allergies for at least the past year. Being a self-employed business owner during COVID made seeking medical assistance for their pain daunting and pricey. After wading through the NYC Medicaid insurance system, B finally secured health care insurance. At this point, their pain was so significant that they finally went to the ER. During COVID-19, any ER or hospital visit in NYC is/was absolutely terrifying…knowing B, this meant only a dire, extremely, painful situation. A CT scan showed that B had multiple ovarian cysts that were leaking fluid into their abdomen and lungs. 

On February 15th, B was admitted for emergency surgery at MT. Sinai. Surgery that lasted well over 6 hours + recovery,  Fast forward to 53 abdominal staples and a few weeks later, we finally have the pathology results. B Paul has been diagnosed with Stage 3C Ovarian Cancer and will undergo 18 weeks of chemotherapy. The positive news is that B’s doctor is hopeful that they were able to remove all of the cancer. The tough news is that B will have to take even more time off of work in order to gain strength and remain on the road to recovery. We all know that COVID-19 took a major toll on all of us, but really knocked NYC on it’s ASS…

I can say firsthand that the financial struggle of getting back to life as we once knew it is especially hard for any creative, independent worker in NY. Knowing this, we do know that the road ahead for B will not be easy as their ability to work and make up for lost time with clients will be compromised during many stages of their treatment. Out of pocket medical costs are just one part of the financial hardships that B is facing and will continue to face. B has always shown up for all of us…whether that’s on our side of their chair or not. 

B. Paul is a SOLID friend, incredible hair stylist, partner/lover, person...+++. We can all show up for B. Paul and finally give back in a way that truly matters.

As B’s biggest fan, their story is extremely difficult to write. To know B, is to absolutely love B. After all, we would all have terrible hair and lead boring lives without them. Please know that B would NEVER ask for help but do know that EVERY contribution makes a huge difference.