Hi everyone,

My name is Joanna, and I’m co-organizing this fundraiser with Chef Leah of République & Chef Liz of Mozza on behalf of our dear friend and colleague, Juan Ponce, whom I’ve had the honor of working alongside for over a decade. We are raising funds to support Juan and his family as they face devastating medical and financial hardships. Please take a moment to read their story, share, or donate if you can. Every bit of kindness helps and no amount is too small.

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About two years ago, Juan’s younger son Adrian, who just celebrated his 20th birthday on November 1st, fell critically ill from a rare genetic immune condition called Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). HLH causes the body’s immune system to overreact and attack its own organs and tissues. It’s an aggressive and life-threatening disease, often triggered by infections or inherited gene mutations. While chemotherapy and steroids can help control symptoms, the only true cure is a bone marrow transplant.

Adrian underwent extensive treatments, including chemotherapy, and was placed on the bone marrow donor list. Unfortunately, a full match wasn’t found. Juan was only a 50% match, but doctors were hopeful that with additional treatment, his marrow could still help. On September 5, 2024, Juan courageously donated his bone marrow to his son — a father’s selfless act of love.

But post-transplant, Adrian suffered serious complications. Viral infections spread to his brain, landing him in and out of the ICU for months. Despite every effort, the doctors recently shared heartbreaking news: there’s nothing more they can do for him. His condition has reached a point where recovery is no longer possible.

To make matters even more painful, Juan’s older son, Erik (26), who had tested positive for the same HLH gene, has now begun showing symptoms. He’s currently undergoing chemotherapy and waiting for a bone marrow match — fighting the same battle his younger brother has endured. You can imagine how painful and fragile this holiday season has been for their family.

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For over 30 years, Juan has been a familiar face in the Los Angeles restaurant community — first at Campanile, and now at Osteria Mozza and République, which occupies the same historic building that once housed Campanile. Many of you have likely seen him behind the counter, greeting guests with quiet warmth or working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Juan has always been the definition of dedication. He works long days — mornings at République, nights at Mozza — rarely missing a shift, never complaining, always providing for his family with quiet pride. Like many long-time service workers, he’s worked hard, saved diligently, and lived simply. But the financial toll of these back-to-back medical emergencies has been devastating.

Even with his lifetime of savings, the ongoing medical bills, long hospital stays, and now the impending costs of laying Adrian to rest are far beyond what any family can bear alone. With Adrian’s care continuing in his final days and Erik still undergoing treatment, these expenses continue to grow, threatening to deplete everything Juan has spent decades working for.

Juan is known to everyone who’s worked with him as one of the kindest, most humble, and hardest-working people you’ll ever meet. He never complains, never seeks attention, and has always carried himself with quiet dignity. He rarely takes time off — until he had no other choice. Between hospital visits, surgeries, and endless medical appointments, Juan has had to drastically cut back his hours at both jobs, losing crucial income while medical bills continue to climb.

And yet, through all of this, Juan continues to show up — for his family, for his community, and for his work. It’s time for us to show up for him.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

Our goal is to raise $100,000 to help the Ponce family cover:

Every dollar raised will go directly to Juan and his family.

There are two meaningful ways you can help:

1. Donate what you can. No amount is too small — it all adds up and makes a real difference. Every contribution helps lighten their burden.

2. Share this fundraiser. Spread the word to friends, family, and anyone in the restaurant community. Help us reach beyond our community. The more people who know, the more support we can rally for this family.

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If you’ve ever dined at Campanile, Osteria Mozza, or République, there’s a good chance Juan’s hard work made your experience what it was. For decades, he’s been a part of LA’s restaurant heartbeat — now, in his family’s darkest hour, it’s our turn to give back.

Juan is not someone who would ever ask for help himself. He’s humble to a fault. So we’re asking for him — as his friends, his colleagues, and just some of the many people whose lives he’s touched.

Please consider donating or sharing this campaign. Every bit of love, generosity, and solidarity means more than words can say.

Thank you for helping us surround Juan and his family with the compassion they’ve so deeply earned.

With gratitude,

Joanna, Leah, and Liz