Almost 10 years ago, I taught a photography workshop in Mexico where I met Gerardo. What started as a professional connection quickly turned into something much more—he became an essential part of my work and, over time, the person behind 100% of my editing and finishing. I wasn’t just one of his clients—I was one of his main sources of income.

Yesterday, I received devastating news: Gerardo passed away unexpectedly after a poisonous spider bite went untreated during a vacation. It was sudden, tragic, and completely preventable. He leaves behind his wife and daughter, who depended entirely on him. There was no safety net, no plan for something like this—just a family now facing immediate financial hardship while grieving an unimaginable loss.

I’m heartbroken, and while I’m trying to process how much I’ve lost professionally, my biggest concern right now is his family—making sure they can cover rent, basic needs, and have a little breathing room in the middle of this crisis. I’ve started a fundraiser to support them, and I’m asking for your help. If you can give anything at all, it will go directly to his family. And if you can’t donate, sharing this would mean just as much. Thank you for showing up for them in this moment.