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I want to begin by expressing my gratitude for being part of this wonderful global FUN community. This project has taken me to places, both physically and emotionally, that I never anticipated. So, thank you to everyone who is or has been part of this incredible journey that is Fuckup Nights.

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I stand before you, my friends, ready to be vulnerable and to open this chapter of my life, knowing there is no better place than this supportive community to share my story.

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Two years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. Since then, my life has changed dramatically, much like a deluge alters the landscape. The news was devastating, akin to being trapped in a nightmare from which you can't awaken. The most significant transformation was in my perception of time and my interests. Previously, my thoughts were consumed by architecture, community, progress, and a myriad of other concerns that now seem trivial. After the diagnosis, I began to question where to invest my time and energy -beyond the obvious answer: with family and friends, and whether I should continue with my projects or start ticking off my "bucket list." 

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The first thing I considered -when I was able to think clearly, was embarking on a long bicycle trip with my friend and partner, Charlie. I proposed the idea to him, and he immediately agreed -we haven't embarked on that trip yet, but it's still on the table-. Then, I wanted to gather my entire family for a meal -similar to many we have shared,- to break the news. At that meal, we embraced and held hands -something we had never done before,- and my aunt Gabriela said a prayer, a love spell, and made a request. I wish I could say that I felt comforted by my family's love, but the truth is, I felt incredibly uncomfortable.

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Later, I began the treatment process, which included two surgeries -brain and kidney-, and immunotherapy -an alternative to chemotherapy. Discussing it can be overwhelming, but honestly, over time, it becomes part of your routine: eating healthily, exercising, taking medications, filing insurance claims. This becomes your new normal and undeniably keeps you grounded in the present. Another thing that keeps you in the present is the uncertainty of how to continue affording a treatment like the one I am undergoing (even with medical insurance).

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And it is this that led me to to open a campaign on Donadoraand the reason why I am writing these lines. I hope you can help me by sharing the campaign to reach more people. If anyone would like more information about the road traveled or a second part of this story, do not hesitate to write me. I would love to help people who are going through these same issues with the little I have learned along the way.

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I bid you farewell with immense gratitude.

-Luis Ruben, Co-founder of Fuckup Nights