We are so excited to bring this horror spot to Dekalb! With that being said, here is an update: 

    Most people do not know that the idea for IKWYRLS came as an escape for Annie and I. I was diagnosed with stage 2 astrocytoma back in 2022, a few months before we got married. It was rough and at one point Annie thought she would lose me. Luckily I had a fantastic team of doctors who helped me beat the odds. As a way to try to look forward to something, Annie and I started brainstorming ideas for businesses. IKWYRLS was born. It became a way for us to look forward to something and escape the difficult time we were in. 

    Fast forward to last year and I went into remission. I was good for a few months. It came back last fall and threw our lives into a tail spin again. Luckily through treatment, I was able to get through it. This past spring I had clear scans for the first time in almost 3 years. My doctors were unable to explain it, but we took it as a blessing and celebrated. Well fast forward to a couple months ago and I started having terrible symptoms again. I went and had scans done and BOOM it came back. This has changed a lot for our plans over the next few months. 

    Now that you have the backstory, let me explain how we are moving forward. We are postponing opening the brick and mortar store. WE WILL STILL BE OPENING, just later than planned. None of the money raised or invested into the store will be touched (other than the money already spent on advertising, branding, legal fees, etc.) If for some reason we are not able to open the store next year, all money donated/invested will be refunded (even the money spent already). 

    I understand how disappointing this is, and I promise (unless I die) that we will be opening this safe, creative, horrific place for the community. 

    So what about me, well I am a very private person but I can tell you that we are more optimistic this time around than we were last time. Currently we are raising money to help with treatment, travel, and bill costs. With me having to be out of work, our personal finances have become strained. The link for that fundraiser will be below. The money raised will help put a small dent in the mountain of medical bills and costs we will be incurring over the next few months.The goal for the GoFundMe will continue to grow as more expensive arrive. I am also currently working with the Illinois Department of Labor to get my final paycheck from a local business I worked at in Dekalb, that is refusing to pay me for my last 6 1/2 days of work. Although we prefer to keep our private life private, I felt that I owed you this much. I will be sure to give a few updates on my treatment over the next couple of months. You can still purchase products and coffee from our online store, and we will still be giving out random free gifts to those of you that are following us on Instagram. The fundraiser for the store will also continue independently, and if you know of anyone that wants to become a partner with us please have them reach out. 

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