My partner Ace is one of the most generous, thoughtful people I know. They have spent years showing up for others—through their advocacy for immigrant communities, their work supporting LGBTQ+ communities, and the countless ways they quietly care for the people around them. If you know Ace, you know how deeply they believe in showing up for community.

Last summer, Ace collapsed due to severe difficulty breathing. That moment changed everything.

After extensive testing, Ace was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, autoimmune diseases that can affect multiple organs and systems in the body. In Ace’s case, the disease has begun affecting their lungs.

Doctors diagnosed interstitial lung disease, a serious condition that damages lung tissue and makes it much harder for the lungs to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream.

In less than a year since that collapse, Ace has gone from working full time to needing oxygen and intensive medical care.

Ace now lives with chronic lung disease and requires supplemental oxygen both at home and when outside.

Ace is currently undergoing immunosuppressive treatment and regular infusion therapy, along with medications and frequent follow-ups with specialists in rheumatology and pulmonology.

Their treatment plan also includes pulmonary rehabilitation several times each week, along with ongoing breathing tests and oxygen assessments to better understand how the disease is affecting their lungs.

After a recent appointment with their lung specialist, Ace’s care team is continuing additional testing and treatment efforts to stabilize the disease and closely monitor lung function.

Despite these treatments, Ace’s symptoms—including severe fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath—make everyday activities extremely difficult.

Because of the intensity of treatment and the frequency of medical appointments, Ace’s doctors have advised them to take medical leave so they can focus fully on treatment and managing their health.

This leave is necessary for Ace to focus on their health—but it also means a sudden loss of income. Like so many people in the U.S., Ace’s health insurance is tied to their job, and maintaining that coverage is critical for accessing the treatments, medications, and care they now depend on.

We are asking our community for support so that Ace can focus on healing instead of worrying about how we will cover basic expenses during this time.

Contributions will go directly toward:

• Medical bills and infusion treatments

• Medications and ongoing care

• Health insurance premiums

• Rent and essential living expenses while Ace is on medical leave

These funds will help support Ace over the next several months while they focus on treatment and adjusting to this new reality.

Ace has spent so much of their life advocating for and supporting others. If you are able, we would be deeply grateful for any support you can offer during this time—whether that is donating or sharing this fundraiser with your networks.

Thank you for helping us get through this moment.

With gratitude,

Amara