Help Juani Heal and Thrive Again

Dear relatives from far and wide,

We’re reaching out with a heartfelt petition and a call to action to support our friend, brother, doctor, and elder, Juani.

Three years ago, Juani was diagnosed with lymphoma. After several years of different treatments and a brief phase of remission, symptoms have suddenly aggressively returned. Juani recently had to cancel prayers due to the severe pain he was experiencing.

Juani is a devout student and steward of the plants, having spent over 23 years working with spiritual leaders from Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and the Diné wisdom keepers of Turtle Island. He brings with him a truly unique, syncretic style of traditional ecological wisdom and medical techniques that have touched many people he has worked with. His medicine has saved many lives.

Those who know Juani can attest to his joy for life, his curiosity, and his commitment to leaving the land better than he found it. He’s a gardener, a farmer, a joker, a teacher, a father, a husband, a carpenter, a musician, a surfer, and so much more. He’s a treasure in the lives of those who know him!

After careful deliberation and prayer, Juani and his family have decided it’s time to double down and begin more intensive treatment as the lymphoma progresses. Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) in New York are urging Juani to start as soon as possible.

Juani will need to be in a quarantine-like situation while he is receiving treatment, meaning he will not be able to work or travel back home easily. Our contributions will help him rest and stay connected with his family during this crucial moment in his healing process.

In Juani’s words, “It’s been three years of living with this condition, and it has brought all kinds of challenges and blessings. I’m ready to leave it behind and move on to the next chapter. I’m exhausted, and even though I’ve always been more apprehensive of conventional treatment than the actual condition, doctors say that the possibilities of remission are very good, and there is an option for a clinical trial, which is in its third phase, that has shown a very high success rate.”

Juani just fulfilled his commitment to Sundance this summer with his community, under the guidance of his Diné grandpa Jake Singer, who has been holding prayers for Juani's life for many years. He's now resolved to begin his treatment.

This is a call to action to Juani’s extensive network of relations and beyond, to bring him greater ease and support during this challenging time. Juani is husband to Magda and papa to his amazingly bright, funny boy, Samay (4), and has big plans to keep surfing, skating, and adventuring with him. We need him healthy and thriving!

“I want to live, I want to regain my health, my stamina, and my inspiration.”

If you know Juani, you know it’s not natural for him to make big asks. We are coming together to raise at least $65,000 to support him, allowing him to rest, focus on recovery, and bond with his family during this challenging time. Let’s shower him with the blessing of a bunch of cash to help him get through this chapter with ease.

Magda and Samay will need emergency medical visas to visit Juani while he’s in treatment in NYC for the next year, and we want to ensure their basic expenses are covered. In addition to treatment at MSK, our contributions will cover:

In the meantime, (in Juani’s words) “hold a vision of me in your heart, full of colors and beautiful regalia, full of life and medicine on all levels, fulfilling my dream to laugh, play, grow plants, skate, and surf with my kids and my grandkids one day, too.”

In times of hardship, we can truly come together, show up, and support the ones we love with generosity flowing from the heart. Thank you in advance for your support and love!