*** UPDATE ***

In an unfortunate turn of events, our beloved Emmie is back in the hospital again. As I write this, she is being transferred via ambulance to the hospital where she had her original surgery to address an AFib emergency. In addition to your positive vibes and/or prayers, she and Lucas are facing potentially catastrophic medical costs as well as each taking a long-term employment hiatus from their jobs. Can you please help? Thank you for any amount that you can contribute for Lucas and Emmie as they stare into a medical financial abyss.

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Where do I begin? Maybe with “when it rains, it pours.”

In the past decade or so, there have been LGBTQ+ advocates who have demonstrably stepped up to the plate to provide support for your loved ones and acquaintances when you were at your wit's end to know how to help; provided the perfect educated voice for your LGBTQ+ corporate group or advocacy group; met you one-on-one to validate your authenticity; or stood in solidarity with you to mourn incredible members of our community.

Arguably, no one has done this more than Lucas Aiden Wehle.

Now, he, and his wife, Emmie, need our help and support.

The main focus is that Emmie is facing incredibly frightening open heart surgery next week, and everything that surrounds such an ordeal.

But that’s not all. Last week, in a freak accident, Lucas broke the wrist of his dominant hand.

Just to backtrack a bit: Many of you may know that Lucas lost his DEI job in Tampa last year, due to political reasons. Before taking on another job, he and Emmie decided to move to Arkansas to be close to her family. Since then, Lucas has struggled to attain gainful employment. He has a job, but it’s nowhere near the employment he had in Tampa. Emmie can work remotely, but even that is now compromised. Both of them will experience weeks of no pay, or minimized pay as Emmie takes weeks to recover and Lucas takes time off to care for her.

Lefty and I will be flying out just after the surgery to help a disabled Lucas care for Emmie.

Can you help, too?

Lucas will need to stay in a hotel during the surgery and recovery because the hospital is a couple of hours away from their home. They will need meals and housing costs. No one wants to even think about how much the surgery will cost them out of pocket. Weeks without pay or diminished pay will take a toll, for sure.

Please, consider helping out this wonderful couple who have been such an integral part of our community. Also, I know that Lucas had a huge community following, and they are not all on my friends list. If you can share on your social media pages and groups, that would be great. I’m convinced that many people in our community would really like to help someone who gave unconditionally and tirelessly to all of us in one way or another. Here’s the way to give back to Lucas and Emmie.

Thank you.

-Nancy and John Desmond