Support Alexis (and Ziva) to overcome Acute Myeloid Leukemia

To my beloved community of family, chosen family, and clients:

Just a few weeks ago, I was feeling uncharacteristically fatigued and discovered I was in urgent need of a blood transfusion. Being a lifelong Pilates and Gyrotonic teacher and dancer, I was confused by what was happening but I knew something was wrong. At that time, I was given a bone marrow biopsy. On July 30, I was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia), a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow. When leukemia is considered "acute," it means it comes on suddenly and aggressively, and thus, requires swift action.

Luckily, it is treatable and even "curable." However, since that entails immediate treatment, this left me with little time to prepare. Today, August 15, I begin my first round of chemotherapy as an inpatient at City of Hope in Duarte, California. Through a combination of hospital stays and outpatient therapy, remission will be induced. Once I achieve remission, I will receive a bone marrow transplant, requiring a donor match. Donor matches are first sought from siblings, and luckily, we are underway in identifying one now.

As you all know, I am a small business owner of the Pilates studio, and yet it moves. More importantly, I am a single mother of Ziva, aged 7, who started 2nd Grade in Silver Lake only this week. Ziva is the light of my life, my heart who walks outside my body. Strong willed (intensely) and empathetic (always), she is taking this like a champ.

That said, we are both in need of your support. My oncologist at City of Hope says I can expect treatment to last a minimum of 6 months, if things go well. It is unclear how much I can work during that time, if at all. Therefore, I am looking to raise $50,000 to cover the inevitable expenses that come up in our for-profit healthcare system. The use of funds would go to living expenses during treatment and recovery, including maintaining a home for myself and Z. Additionally, they would help pay for out-of-pocket medical bills and childcare. Lastly, funds will help me maintain and keep the studio running while I am unable to be there.

City of Hope is amongst the best cancer centers in the world and I am lucky to have first rate care. I maintain gratitude and love for all you who have rallied around me. I will share periodic news and updates as my journey unfolds.

With Love,

Alexis