Support Lev (Lisa) Ross' Road to Recovery

Our friend, sister, aunt, and daughter, Lev (Lisa) Ross, was hospitalized Sunday, August 25th, for an unexplained illness and is still undergoing testing to diagnose and figure out treatment. Lev is on a breathing tube in the ICU receiving amazing care from several specialist teams at Mount Sinai in Manhattan. Despite the expertise of some of the best doctors in NYC, they are still stumped by the cause of Lev’s illness. What we do know is that brain lesions were found in Lev’s brain stem and are ravaging her body. They are unable to communicate except with blinking their eyes.

Gratefully, their friends and family have rallied in support and Lev has been kept in good company during this incredibly difficult time. We have been trying to keep Lev’s spirits strong through song, dance, poetry, prayers and affection as they fight each day. With the sudden and unexpected nature of the illness, Lev’s expenses are beginning to pile up due to their inability to work. We're asking for further community support to assist with ensuring that their bills are being paid and that they do not suffer too many financial burdens as a result of this hospitalization.

Lev has led a life of generosity in all forms - in recent years, as an endlessly devoted caretaker to their mother, a devotion that has only grown as their mother’s Alzheimer's progresses. Lev believes in the power of community, and has embodied that in a thousand ways, from capturing life's precious moments through their camera lens, to teaching art to LGBTQ+ youth, to cultivating a family of friends across otherwise disparate areas of the world. To Lev, there is family and there is chosen family - all of whom they hold dearly in their hearts and would do anything for.

There is a long road of healing - physically, mentally, and emotionally - ahead. Lev will need assistance with recovery and rehabilitation in the months to come. No donation is too small to help Lev during this critical time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support.

Update September 6, 2024:

We are overwhelmed with gratitude that you have all helped us reach our first goal of $10,000 in under 24 hours . This kind of help is immeasurable and will benefit Lev greatly for their treatment and other expenses. Because we reached our goal so quickly, I will be upping our goal to $20,000. Please don’t hesitate to share. Thank you all, much love ❤️