Thank you to everyone that shared and/or donated. Every little bit is extremely helpful. We are overwhelmed (in a good way) from all of the support. You know what this reminds me of? Karina.
When the Make A Wish Foundation gave Karina the opportunity to ask for whatever last wish she wanted, she asked nothing for herself. Nothing. She instead wanted to thank all the healthcare workers and family that helped care for her. She wanted them to take care of themselves as well, so Make A Wish Foundation gave them a gift card for a spa and dinner. Oh and a note saying that dinner should include vegetables .
Thank you all again. Here is a link to the thank yous from the recipients of Karina’s wish granted by the Make a Wish Foundation in Puerto Rico.
https://karinamejias.boothpics.com/TE7V
(Original post below)
This go-fund me has been “in the making” a while now. It’s just so hard to find the “right time” to write, share a story and ask for help. Finally Mellody and I got around to it, and then when we were going to finalize the process…. Karina passed away.
Right now we do not have the strength to re-write anything, so please accept this in the meantime:
On August 16th my best friend Mellody came to PR with a one way ticket. Normally I would be ecstatic, but the circumstances were the most difficult imaginable.
Mellody’s little sister Karina, a recent high school graduate, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma cancer. At first, the future was uncertain but as the weeks turned into months and the treatments were not working, Mellody and her family had to work through and try to accept that most likely, this cancer was terminal. On October 2nd, Karina Mejias celebrated her 18th birthday in the hospital but is now at home with her family. While they are doing the impossible to keep her comfortable… Mellody and her family had to work less, dig deep into savings, and cover more expenses than ever imagined the last 4 months. Wanda & Freddy had to close their small pizza truck which was their only source of income.
I would love to tell you all the details of what has been going on with Karina’s health but I don’t know. In my very personal opinion I prefer not to ask as to not remind Mellody and her family of their reality. I hurt for Mellody who has been quite private about all of this. Especially knowing she has many, many people that love her and would jump to support her any way possible for her to continue supporting her family in their time of need. But asking for help is just so hard. Imagining how hard it is for Mellody to write and share her vulnerable story is heart wrenching. So this is a way I would like to help. By reaching out and asking humbly, how can or how would you like to help? At the very least, if you cannot donate, please share this post.
Thank you for your time. Please tightly hug your family this holiday season.
(This Go Fund Me has been reviewed and approved by Mellody. All funds after applicable transaction fees will go directly to Mellody to help cover Karina’s health, caretaking (edited to add: and funeral) related expenses).
