On behalf of her family and loved ones, we cannot thank you enough for your help with our previous GoFundMe effort. Without you, Larissa would not have had the time or support while recovering from her stroke last May, then undergoing the related heart surgery this past November.

In the meantime, we have some incredibly unfortunate updates to share. Larissa has not only been let go from the part-time remote job she held during recovery, but she has also tested positive for the BRCA-2 mutation. This inherited gene not only raises women's chances of breast cancer by up to 85%, but the risk of ovarian cancer by 45%. As her incredible mother Shar is a fierce breast cancer survivor, Larissa is being encouraged by her team to act sooner rather than later. Once she is cleared with a clean bill of health from her heart procedure, she will be scheduled for a preventative hysterectomy in the summer, following by a double mastectomy in the winter -- and then potentially a third reconstructive surgery in 2027 (which is a very similar journey to what her own mom went through).

Due to the current limitations of our nation's (super-helpful) insurance system, Larissa is hesitant to leave New York -- especially with the level of care she is currently receiving there. That said, going through multiple surgeries while paying NYC rent without a regular income is simply not sustainable. She continues to apply for work, both remote and around Manhattan, with little to no success so far. We would love to try and help her find some kind of cushion financially to lean on in the meantime.

As many of you know (and love, begrudgingly), Larissa has also been blessed with the Stubborn gene. To ask for help from you the first time was a challenge; to ask for help a second time is causing a great deal of shame and defeat at the moment. Please join me in lifting up and celebrating this wonderful, caring, creative, passionate unicorn of a sister, auntie, teacher, artist and friend. Any bit you can donate is incredibly appreciated, especially during these challenging times.

We cannot say it enough -- we love you, Larissa!!!