Hello all! Thank you for being curious enough to stumble across this story of our dearest and most beloved pal and comrade, Jewell Milesi.

Jewell Milesi is truly one of a kind. The bounds of love that exist in Jewell’s spirit and soul are enough to renew faith in humanity. Having the honor of friendship and kinship with Jewell, we know this to be true for ourselves and countless others. Her presence and her impact are a vital part of our community; her health and quality of life are the keys for this door.

In 2020, Jewell was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease with a coinfection of bartonella. Lyme disease is known to be notoriously difficult to treat and is extremely physically and financially draining.

Due to her mother’s passing this recent June, along with life’s countless hardships as a Black disabled queer, Jewell is experiencing a relapse in her health and her symptoms. Because of these severe developments in Jewell, she has been unable to work and carry out day-to-day functions that are necessary for her path and well-being. Jewell is currently without financial familial, personal, and government support. We are asking our community, SLO county and far, to help ease Jewell’s load by eliminating some of her financial stresses, which include funds for Lyme specialists, extensive medical bills, nourishing food, and monthly rent. Providing this financial cushion for Jewell will allow her to focus on and pursue the recovery and healing she so deeply desires and deserves. Any possible donation amount is intensely appreciated, and we ask those who are unable to donate, to please share this link to Jewell’s story and call for action.

One last plea and request: if you have any words of encouragement, shared experiences or stories of Lyme and grief, or helpful resources, please leave them in the comments for Jewell to see. We understand these are trying times. We profoundly thank you for your curiosity, generosity, and role in community care. We hold you all preciously in our hearts.

“Beloved community is formed not by the eradication of difference but by its affirmation, by each of us claiming the identities and cultural legacies that shape who we are and how we live in the world." —bell hooks

The warmest wishes and love, from Jewell’s pack,

Etta, V, and Cat