Hello, my name is Mark Melody. I am a Special Education Teacher at Hubert Middle School in Savannah, GA. I have been a teacher for over 25 years. I am asking for help in what will be a difficult time in my life.

In Jan 2024, my life was turned upside down. I received a diagnosis of Liver Cancer, with Portal Hypertension (a blood clot between the liver and the spleen). At that time, I was given a 2–4-year window for life. I was put on immunotherapy to fight the tumor in my liver and then what was called a Y-90, where very small beads entered my bloodstream, releasing radiation to destroy the tumor. With the excellent care from my doctors, my liver cancer is now gone.

My doctors determined that to make sure the cancer does not return, I have to have a liver transplant. This is the only way to make sure that the cancer will not come back to the liver in a more severe form. I am a person who never thought I would ever have a transplant. Before the cancer, I had my issues—Type 2 diabetes—but otherwise very healthy.

My insurance will cover the operation, but it's the post-transplant expenses that are not covered by my insurance that will have a big impact on my life. Since I live 200 miles from the transplant center, the hospital is requiring, once released, to stay close to the hospital to do blood work for 4-6 weeks until they decide to release me to go home. My wife is disabled and is unable to help me with my needs in Atlanta. Also, post-transplant, I will be on at least 10 medicines for the foreseeable future whose costs can be very expensive and will have a major impact on my family.

Your donations will help me with expenses including:

Any amount you can give will make a difference in my future, and if you’re unable to donate, sharing this page on your social media would mean so much.

Thank you for your kindness and support.