This year at Burning Man, my best friend and roommate Emma Mae suffered a serious injury—she broke her leg and her finger. While her leg is healing well (about 70% recovered), her finger required multiple surgeries. Just last week, surgeons placed four pins to ensure proper alignment, and she now faces 8–12 weeks with an additional surgery to remove the pins, followed by a long period of physical therapy. Because of these injuries, Emma cannot return to work until at least March 2026. Since September, she has been unable to pay her monthly expenses, struggled with rent, and with her SNAP benefits canceled during the government shutdown, even basic living costs have become overwhelming.

Emma is deeply loved in her Seattle community, but she hates asking for help (it took a lot for her to be able to even let me do this). This fundraiser will go directly toward covering rent and utilities until she can return to work, helping with groceries and daily living expenses, and supporting her medical recovery and physical therapy. Emma has always shown up for others—bringing joy, care, and love to her community. Now it’s our turn to show up for her.

Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference in her ability to heal without the crushing stress of financial insecurity. Please consider donating or sharing this campaign with others. Together, we can help Emma recover fully and return to the vibrant life she brings to all of us.