06/14/2026
This morning, Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins took to social media to explain why she disappeared from public view Friday afternoon—and how a bout of severe dehydration landed her in an ambulance and the emergency room.
In a candid video, Gaskins shared how a hectic day of caring for a sick dog, managing family responsibilities, taking phone calls, and preparing for a public hearing caused her to overlook one simple thing: drinking water.
By the time she arrived at Sails on the Potomac on Friday, June 12, she could already feel something was wrong.
As the heat and humidity intensified, so did her symptoms.
Gaskins said she slipped into Misha's Coffee, where staff members provided water and electrolyte packets. Determined not to let anyone down, she returned to the event and delivered her remarks anyway.
Then things got worse.
After leaving the stage, the mayor became severely ill. Despite barely being able to stand or see clearly, she continued insisting she would be fine. Eventually, Alexandria's first responders convinced her to get into an ambulance and head to the hospital.
Gaskins spent six hours receiving IV fluids for severe dehydration.
But what happened next is what makes this story so powerful.
While recovering in the hospital, a paramedic returned to check on her and shared a message she says changed her perspective:
"You only get one life, and that life is already too short. You need to rest, you need to drink water, and you need to take care of yourself. Because we need you. Your kids need you, and you need you."
It's a reminder many of us need to hear, she said.
Parents. Caregivers. Business owners. Community volunteers. Public servants. The people who spend their days taking care of everyone else often forget to take care of themselves.
Gaskins says she is recovering and hopes her experience encourages others to slow down, stay hydrated, and pay attention to the warning signs their bodies may be sending.
We're grateful the mayor is doing well and willing to share a lesson she learned the hard way.
Read the full story at The Zebra.
📍 Link in first comment for full story and link to Mayor's video
Photo: Allison Silberberg
