Hello beloved Chicago theatre community and all who may find themselves here!
As some of you may know, our dear Ayana Strutz recently experienced multiple injuries while performing in a show. One such injury was particularly serious and has turned her world upside down. While performing three months ago, Ayana fell from 20 feet in the air and injured her neck and head. There was severe nerve damage. Due to this injury, for the last several months she has been mostly bed-ridden with debilitating vertigo, tinnitus, and snowy vision among other issues. Ayana being so severely injured has meant that she is unable to work. As most of us know, actors earn their health insurance through working and soon, Ayana will lose her coverage. Workman’s comp/disability has been a slow and frustrating process and Ayana and her husband, Jon, have spent thousands of dollars out of pocket to see doctors that have left her with very little answers.
Ayana is looking at a very long road to recovery. She continues to see specialists but has also learned that some of the damage done may be permanent. If you know Ayana, you know that the light and goodness she exudes energetically also manifests physically. When I worked with her I would often marvel at how such a tiny human could be bursting at the seams with so much energy. She is an electric dancer, a seriously gifted circus performer, and above all else-one of the best humans I know. The psychological and financial toll that this entire situation has taken on her is immense. As she focuses her energy on her recovery, the last thing she should be worried about is money. We are raising funds as a community to put towards her every day bills and expenses as well as any out of pocket medical bills she may continue to incur. Ayana is one or the most generous people I know and I know I am not the only one who wants to return that favor and support her during this unimaginable time. Please donate what you can and share to your circles!
