Our dear Sofia has been bravely fighting stage 3 breast cancer for over a year. She’s halfway through her chemotherapy treatment at UCSF after two lumpectomy surgeries, with radiation still ahead. This journey has tested her strength in every way — physically, emotionally, and financially — yet through it all, she continues to face each day with courage, humor, and her trademark fighter spirit.

Anyone who knows Sofia knows she’s a force of nature — full of wit, warmth, and energy. Before her diagnosis, she loved boxing and training hard, and that same fighter mentality shows up in her every single day. Even during long hours at the hospital, she’s cracking jokes and making the staff laugh — that’s just who she is. Her kindness and humor lift everyone around her, even when she’s the one enduring the toughest days.

Unfortunately, this period has also brought financial challenges. Sofia works as a hairstylist, and due to her treatment schedule and recovery time, she’s had to cut back her hours significantly. She’s doing her best to stay positive and strong, but between rent, food, and medical expenses, things have become very tight. One major out-of-pocket cost has been the DigniCap — a cooling cap that helps prevent hair loss during chemotherapy. For Sofia, who takes pride in her work and her connection with her clients, keeping her hair has been an important way to hold on to a sense of normalcy and confidence.

We’re hoping to raise $14,000 to help cover ongoing expenses such as rent, food, out-of-pocket medical costs, and transportation to and from UCSF when needed. Every bit of help makes a difference, and every donation goes directly toward giving Sofia the breathing room she needs to focus on healing.

As her partner, I’ve seen firsthand how strong and determined she is — but even fighters need a corner team. The love, encouragement, and generosity from her friends, clients, and family have been incredible. Sofia and I are both so grateful for the support and kindness shown throughout this long fight.

She plans to keep everyone updated here on her treatments, progress, and recovery. Please consider donating if you can, sharing this page, and keeping her in your thoughts as she continues this journey toward full health.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you.

— Eben