Hey friends, family, and community—

If you know Marissa Saenz, you know she’s a force. A creative powerhouse, a connector of people, a fearless advocate for culture, and someone who shows up for everyone. Now, it’s time for us to show up for her.

Earlier this year, Marissa was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer. True to form, she handled it with grit and grace—never losing her humor or her hustle. She jumped straight into treatment, juggling chemotherapy with her work as the founder of Rukaz Kultura, the events and experiences many of you have loved and supported over the years.

She had every intention of carrying the weight of this journey on her own—but let’s be real: shit has gotten real.

She’s almost through the brutal months of chemo (hell yes ), but still has major surgery, radiation, and six more months of targeted therapy ahead. That means more medical bills, more time off work, more physical toll, and more unexpected costs stacking up—on top of running a small business.

This GoFundMe is here to take some of that weight off her shoulders so she can focus on healing. Funds raised will go toward:

Marissa has poured so much into her city, her people, and her work. Let’s pour back into her now. Every donation, every share, every message of support matters.

Thank you for being part of her village. We love you, M.