Donate to Melissa Ponder's Medical and Family Needs

My name is Melissa Ponder], and I’m a single mom fighting for my life—while trying to be strong for my two amazing kids.

I was diagnosed with thyroid disease at 16 and later developed Graves’ disease, high blood pressure, and eventually kidney problems. In 2017, doctors found a tumor in my stomach, which led to multiple surgeries, including bladder removal and heart stent placement after two heart attacks.

Even after all that, I kept pushing forward—until COVID-19 in 2020 caused my kidneys to shut down completely. I was on dialysis for over two years, then received a kidney transplant in December 2022. Sadly, that kidney failed in June 2023, and I’m back on dialysis every other day, trying to get back on the transplant list.

I now face more surgeries—one to fix my dialysis access, and another for complications from Graves’ disease. I take 10 medications daily, and one vital one costs over $300 a month and isn’t covered by insurance. Without it, I could lose my spot on the transplant list—but Im struggling to afford it.

All of this while raising two strong, loving kids. My son is on the autism spectrum and helps care for me when I’m sick. My daughter is a straight-A student who keeps the house running. They’ve sacrificed so much—and I’m doing everything I can to give them a stable life.

We’ve lost our car, I’ve missed work due to my health, and bills are piling up. I’m asking for your help with medical costs, daily living expenses, and basic needs for my children.

Every donation, share, and kind word means more than you know. Thank you for helping us keep going.