Melanie (Melly if you’re lucky) is more than just my best friend, she is my family. And I know I’m not alone in that sentiment. Melanie is so easy to love.

Whatever a space or place needs- Melanie knows what it is. Sharing her gifts of perfect color perception, music, (both playing guitar or creating harmonies in her local theatre group)- and her compassionate heart while volunteering at Mutual Aid or bringing nutritious food and teas to folks in need; Melanie’s gotchu. always.

But at the moment, it’s Melanie who needs us; earlier this month she was hospitalized for a severe C. diff infection.

This is an aggressive, debilitating illness. She is in constant pain, physically depleted, and clinically malnourished. Because it was initially misdiagnosed, her body has taken a deeper hit than it should have. On top of that, she lives with celiac disease and autoimmune conditions, which makes even basic recovery slower, harder, and more fragile.

Melanie is a long-time self-employed Senior Creative Director and photographer. Her income depends entirely on her ability to show up physically. Right now, she can’t. There is no safety net, and her income has stopped completely.

This has created an immediate financial crisis on top of a serious medical one.

What’s happening right now:

* She is actively fighting a severe infection, hospitalized at UCSD (this is her 3rd hospitalization)

* She is too weak to take on client work or travel

* Rent, bills, and medical costs are continuing with no pause

We are raising resources to cover one month of stability while she undergoes treatment and begins recovery.

Your support will go directly toward (estimated for the next 30 days):

* Out-of-pocket holistic treatment costs ($1,600)

* Rent and utilities for May ($2,500)

* Essential bills (car, insurance, phone) ($1,000)

* Groceries ($600)

* Lost wages ($900)

* Supplemental nutritional and gut recovery support after intensive antibiotics ($600)

* Transportation to specialists ($400)

* Care for her cats, Maia & Juniper ($400)

Melanie and those closest to her will share updates here as she moves through treatment. The goal is to keep her stable, housed, and able to focus fully on getting well. Whether it’s $22 or enough to cover a bill, it helps create the space she needs to heal.

Thank you so much for being part of her support system right now. She’s done so much for others- she is worthy of the same love and care to be given to her that she offers everyone around her.

With love and gratitude,

Sara + Steph