Raise a Glass to Tikku: Support Our Friend's Healing Journey

Hey, Everyone. If you’re reading this, chances are you care about one of our favorite people: Tikku Sircar. And if you don’t know who that is, howdy stranger! We hope you’ll stick around and meet our beloved friend.

Tikku is a cat dad, DJ, mixologist, UX designer, teacher, musician, and foodie among other things. He’s also incredibly kind, funny, intelligent, charming, and talented.

If you know Tikku well (and by the end of this letter, we hope you will), you’ll also know he doesn’t like to ask for help; he’d rather give it. He’s the friend who’ll spot you when you forgot your wallet at home, the shoulder to cry on, the guy who’ll let you borrow his car but probably wouldn’t give you the shirt off his back because he got it tailored specifically to him somewhere in Asia. But I digress.

The point is, he’s a generous dude who’s always willing to help those he loves. And now he needs our help for once. So we’re asking for it on his behalf.

We’re keeping things a bit vague here because we want this fundraiser to be a surprise for his birthday on October 6th. And we also want to respect his medical privacy (until he tells us otherwise, that is).

Tikku has had a series of health challenges over the past couple of years that have required dozens of doctor visits to even get a diagnosis. He also has to regularly have a medical procedure done to reduce symptoms and keep him healthy.

And unfortunately, this year, he developed another very painful condition that has affected his bones, which will require multiple surgeries. The first surgery is scheduled for October 16th, and he will have a 3–4 month recovery period where he is unable to work.

All of this to say, he’s been racking up thousands of dollars in medical bills. Even though he has insurance, getting the treatments and medications he needs will continue to cost him even more.

For about half of this year, he was also without a roommate and had to take money out of his savings to cover the full rent amount for his apartment. So you can see why our boy is hurting pretty badly both physically, and in the financial department.

To give you a little more of an idea of how great he is, we just wanted to share a bit more about our friendships with you.

From Joelle:

“When I think of Tikku, what comes to mind is a welcoming friend. Someone who is down for an adventure when few others might be. He has the uncanny ability to befriend anyone and gather fun and interesting people together. Tikku is especially the kind of person you want around when your life is at a turning point or the rug has been pulled out from under you. A friend who both knows how to listen and bolsters you with humor and, of course, his signature well-timed compliments. Not to mention he is an amazing mixmaster, both at the bar and in the DJ booth. There is so much to love about him!”

From Liana:

“I’ve known Tikku now for over half my life now. We’ve seen each other at some of our worst times and some of our best. When I moved to LA, he was one of the people who helped me get on my feet. We looked out for each other; held space for each other. He’s a true bestie and was even my Man of Honor (and DJ!) at my wedding.

One of the things I admire most about him is his lust for life. He’s always been the one you could turn to for recommendations on everything from video games to cocktail bars. And if he invites you somewhere, you’re guaranteed a good time, and probably a few new friends. He has impeccable taste (as he’d never fail to remind you) in all areas of his life. And it pains me that his current situation is impacting his quality of life. But especially because he’s just one of my favorite people for his kindness, intelligence (dude is smart AF), empathy, and humor.”

From Tina:

“When I met Tikku six or so years ago he already had so many established besties, that getting to become one myself has been my honor. He has been there for me through so many life changes: as an active listener, with love and continued support, and with maybe, almost, slightly too much advice. He’s made me fancy cocktails, and also taken us to Bravo Farms for wine tasting. Yeah, the gas station/rest stop/saloon-designed mega strip mall. That Bravo Farms. We’ve gotten dolled up for posh events, as well as crashed parties together. He’s even loaned me money when he knew I needed it. And yes, I am still paying him back.

He is one-of-a-kind and his friendship means the world to me. And as he is going through one of his hardest times, I am reaching out for help beyond him and me. That he might have a little less stress, carry a lighter load, and have the ability to take time to heal, restore, and return to us anew, and with the energy and depth of love and generosity for which he’s so beloved.”

As you can see, we really want to return all the love and unconditional generosity this man has shown us all these years of friendship. If you feel similarly, or are just sympathetic to his situation, we hope you’ll consider donating so we can ease some of Tikku’s financial burden and ensure he has a stress-free recovery.

At this time, we’re not asking people to share with their networks yet, but if you want to donate on someone else’s behalf, we welcome it. Please direct any questions to one of us, since this fundraiser is on the down-low.

Thank you for reading this and supporting our awesome BFF. And please feel free to share your Tikku stories below so he can see just how loved he really is.

Love,

Joelle, Liana, and Tina