Crowdfunding is underway to help Eugene S. Robinson in his ongoing recovery from a brain stroke. Known for more recently for Buñuel, and formerly Oxbow, among other notable ventures, Robinson lost the ability to speak, read and write as a result of that stroke, which occurred several weeks ago.
His wife Kasia has launched this GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds for his treatment, which will include intensive rehabilitation, speech and language therapy. Kasia said of the campaign:
“Hi everyone, my name is Kasia and I’m Eugene’s wife.
If you know Eugene, you know this is the last way he’d ever want to make the news.
Eugene has spent his life giving people words.
He’s the guy who can make an entire room laugh with one perfectly timed comment. A magician with words, a relentless observer of the absurd, and someone whose takes on politics, culture, MMA, and whatever else has captured—or offended—his attention are as insightful as they are hilarious. His writing has challenged us to think harder. His music has made us feel deeper. And somehow, he’s always managed to make both look effortless. He’s also a family man, great, loving father to his daughters, a grandfather, a brother, a son, a friend.If you’ve trained with Eugene, you know another side of him. He’s a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who has the rare ability to turn every dojo into a pirate ship. He brings laughter, chaos, storytelling, and camaraderie wherever he goes. Training with him isn’t just training—it’s becoming part of an ongoing adventure. People don’t just remember rolling with Eugene. They remember how he made them feel. #ejj
A stroke changed everything.
It robbed Eugene of his ability to speak, sing, read, and write. For someone whose life has been built around language, music, and connection, it’s hard to imagine a crueler twist. But the person behind all those words is still here. The wit is still there. The fighter is still there. Right now, though, he needs time, care, and every possible opportunity to recover.
If you know Eugene, you also know one thing for certain: he’s already determined to get back on the mats. Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just a hobby for him—it’s part of who he is. But determination alone isn’t enough. Recovering from a stroke requires intensive physical rehabilitation, speech and language therapy, and months of hard work. Those therapies are essential if he’s going to regain his independence, his voice, and the chance to do what he loves again.
We’re raising funds to help cover Eugene‘s medical treatment, rehabilitation, and living expenses while he focuses on the hardest fight of his life.
If Eugene‘s writing ever made you laugh, think, argue, or see something differently… if his music ever moved you… if you’ve ever shared a round with him on the mats, been on the receiving end of one of his jokes, found his finger selfie on your phone, or found yourself caught up in one of his legendary stories, this is your chance to help.
Let’s help Eugene get his voice back.
Let’s help him get back to making us laugh, making us think, and—before long—turning the dojo into a pirate ship again.
Every donation helps. If you can’t contribute, sharing this fundraiser means just as much.
Thank you for standing with Eugene.”
