San Diego Craft Beer Community Rallies Around Antonio 鈥淲ort Wrangler鈥� Sanchez in His Battle With Lupus

The San Diego craft beer community is coming together with heart and determination to support one of its own. Antonio Sanchez, affectionately known in the brewing world as "Wort Wrangler," is facing a serious and ongoing battle with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that has recently taken a devastating toll on his health.

Antonio, a beloved figure in local brewing circles, has long been known not only for his knowledge and hard work, but for his sharp humor and ability to lift spirits - often through his that strikes a chord with brewers navigating the daily grind. From jokes about long brew days to relatable posts about the physical toll of the job, he鈥檚 become a symbol of solidarity and comic relief in the often intense world of craft brewing.

Now, after a recent stay in the ICU marked by septic shock, dangerously high fevers, and rapidly deteriorating kidney function, Antonio has been forced to take a leave from work to focus on recovery. Doctors are administering aggressive treatments including chemotherapy infusions, and constant tests are required to stabilize his condition. The medical bills are quickly stacking up.

In response, a has been launched to help cover Antonio鈥檚 mounting expenses. The initial goal of $20,000 is aimed at addressing urgent financial needs, but organizers estimate his long-term medical and living costs could exceed $100,000. The fundraiser has quickly gained traction, with friends, family, and colleagues spreading the word across social media and beyond.

The San Diego Brewers Guild and others across the industry have issued a call to action: breweries are encouraged to create collaborative tribute brews - like "Wrangler鈥檚 IPA" or riffs on Antonio鈥檚 well-known memes, such as "My Caustic Romance" - with proceeds going to support the campaign. These tributes are meant not only to raise funds, but to celebrate Antonio鈥檚 role in bringing the brewing community closer together.

"Antonio has been the guy who kept us laughing when we were ready to give up after a 14-hour brew day," the campaign reads. "Now it's our turn to show up for him."

To donate or get involved, visit the titled "Support Antonio Sanchez's (Wort Wrangler) Battle with Lupus." Breweries interested in collaborating on tribute beers or fundraising efforts are encouraged to reach out through the campaign page.

In a city where craft beer is a cornerstone of culture and community, this outpouring of support is a reminder that behind the taps and tanks are people who lift each other up in times of need. Antonio鈥檚 fight is far from over, but he鈥檚 not facing it alone.