Houston, Texas (May 21, 2026) – On what would have been Monica Tan’s birthday, her friends and loved ones transformed remembrance into impact, presenting an annual donation to Lupus Texas through The BLITZ Team, a community formed to honor Tan’s life and raise awareness of the disease that claimed her in 2022.
A local artist who created Decoden jewelry, Tan often shared her work at conventions. She also loved cosplay, Lolita, and Japanese fashion, which is why her friends created the BLITZ Team in her memory.
“Monica brought people together through her creativity, her kindness, her love of pop culture, and that sense of connection that continues to drive us,” said Aya Montello, president of the BLITZ Team. “Honoring her birthday with this annual donation allows us to celebrate who she was while helping others who are facing lupus and other autoimmune conditions.”
Montello and her friends presented Lupus Texas with a $2,000 check, doubling their impact from last year.
“The BLITZ team has turned a deeply personal loss into meaningful action that benefits the broader lupus community,” said Anne Marie Blacketer, CEO of Lupus Texas. “Their commitment not only honors Monica’s memory but also helps further critical awareness and support for those affected by the disease.”
For more information about the BLITZ team, visit www.theblitzteam.com.
