Melissa came to the U.S. from the Philippines in 2022 to visit her mom. During a trip to Arizona to see other relatives, she began experiencing severe stomach pain. She was rushed to the hospital, examined, and diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer that had metastasized to her liver. I met her shortly after her diagnosis, and a year later, we were married. Melissa's spirit and determination, her unwavering love for God, and her faith in the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who have cared for her have been truly inspiring. She is a bright light to everyone she meets.
For the past two years, Melissa has been unable to work. She has undergone several major surgeries, resulting in long hospital stays. We travel from Saint Petersburg to Orlando six times a month for her appointments and chemotherapy treatments. Despite these challenges, we have experienced blessings along the way. Our marriage in 2023 is one of them! The greatest blessing, however, is the possibility of Melissa being given a chance at a cancer-free life through a transplant at AdventHealth.
The transplant is not guaranteed, and even with insurance, the cost will be significant. We have been told we need to show $10,000 in our bank account to cover costs, along with additional funds for related expenses. I will also need to take a month off work to care for Melissa after the transplant and stay with her in Orlando during her recovery.
Please help Melissa beat this and become cancer-free! I will share updates as things progress. Thank you so much, and may God bless you.
Co-organizers (3)
