Update & Gratitude Hi everyone — I wanted to share a brief update and, as always, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, generosity, and encouragement over these past months. I was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this summer and had what initially appeared to be a successful surgery in mid-July. Unfortunately, about a month later I experienced a major setback. I ended up hospitalized on strong IV antibiotics, and when those didn’t resolve the issue, I had to undergo emergency surgery and essentially start the reconstruction process from scratch. This reset my recovery timeline entirely — no lifting more than five pounds, lots of rest, and no plane travel for 6–8 weeks. As a result, I wasn’t able to fly home to see my dad before he passed away in early September. That loss, combined with everything else, was truly heartbreaking. I am deeply grateful that I was able to return in October for his memorial service, which was beautiful and meaningful. Thank you to those of you who were able to attend — seeing familiar faces meant more than I can say.

Recovery from the second surgery has been more difficult. I’m dealing with some unusual lab results and significant brain fog, likely related to the medication I’m now on to help prevent the cancer from returning. Even so, I am healing, and I remain hopeful that all of this will lead to some solid, cancer-free time in the near future.

Financially, things have been even more challenging. Many of my long-standing freelance clients have disappeared as companies close or cut back, and the inconsistency has become too much to bear. I’ve decided to pursue full-time work and am getting help from a career coach who specializes in returning to the workforce later in life. At 61, it’s a bit daunting — especially coming from a design career built largely on freelance — but I’m doing everything I can to move forward. If anyone has job leads, advice, or ideas, I would be incredibly grateful. As if 2025 hadn’t already delivered enough curveballs, my best friend and constant companion for the past three years Minka has just been diagnosed with kidney disease. While it’s manageable, it isn’t curable, and my time with her has suddenly been abbreviated. I do have pet insurance, but it’s expensive and doesn’t cover quite a lot of the medical things needed. Your support — financial, emotional, and otherwise — has carried me through some very hard days. Thank you for being here, for reading, and for reminding me that I’m not doing this alone.

If you’re in a position to help right now, any contribution, no matter the size, truly makes a difference and helps cover basic living expenses, medical and recovery-related costs, and this extended period of my cancer treatments and work uncertainty. I understand completely that not everyone is able to give. Thank you for being here, for reading, and for reminding me that I’m not doing this alone. With love and gratitude, Susan (and Minka)

And Happy Holidays!