Update: On July 12, 2023, Thank you so much! Your kindness has brought our family to tears. You have given so graciously and honestly, there is no way to repay it except to pay it forward. We feel your prayers manifesting in our lives and ask you to continue to do so. Momma has been struggling to breathe at times with fierce acute life-threatening episodes. Other times her body is so weak that she is asleep for days at a time. We have been in and out of the hospital at least three times since the first posting. It has been agonizing to advocate to the VA for the care that She needs. Please continue to circulate this story in your social media feeds. We have come such a long way and are beyond grateful for all the donations, prayers, and shares. We still have a little over a month to obtain the down payment for the first surgery. Please keep sharing and spreading the word!

My mother is Melissa Martinez she is a 39-year-old Army veteran (who served 17 years), wife and mother who has been gravely ill as a result of her injuries in the service and has rapidly and progressively declined in health. She requires several out-of-network surgeries to save her life, get her out of her wheelchair and back on her feet. Melissa has 100% health coverage through the VA; however, they still will not cover the cost of these complex surgeries.

She has been diagnosed with severe brain and bodily injuries along with a rare neuro-immune condition that when coupled with Long-haul Covid-19 and other co-morbid conditions have prevented her from being able to live

her life independently. In the last few months our goal has simply been to keep her alive; she has had sepsis, MRSA, Staph, and her kidneys are leaking nutrients causing her to suffer from Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis episodes that are extremely painful and threaten to stop her heart.

The financial burden of her medical care has been the overwhelming factor for our family. We have exhausted our savings and all other possible resources. Despite our efforts, we are still falling short. The out-of-network costs, ongoing medical treatments, round-the-clock care and necessary equipment are beyond our financial capabilities. The cost of procedural expenses, transportation, mobility aids, rehabilitation, medical supplies, infusions, and out-of-state specialists add up to our Goal, which is to raise $200,000.00 for the three life-changing surgeries and out-of-state traveling requirements for these procedures.

At this time we are sending out a plea for any prayers, donations or support that you would be willing to give our family. If you are unable to contribute financially, please consider sharing our story with others who may be able to help or sending us your prayers and well wishes. We are immensely grateful for your time and love. Momma deserves the chance to live. Thank you from the depths of our hearts.

Sincerely, The Martinez Family