Hi, I'm Christie, and I am fundraising for my dear friend, Melanie (Mickey). Initially diagnosed with breast cancer in September of 2021, she underwent a double mastectomy and subsequently started chemotherapy and radiation in January of 2022. In August of that same year, she was declared cancer free. The reprieve did not last long, as the cancer returned in September of 2023, moving into her bones and liver.

Melanie is the sole provider for her two teenage girls (who also lost their father 18 months ago while mom was in the midst of chemo) and the uncertainty of the future is overwhelming. As a single mother, the financial burden of everyday life is difficult, and now her situation is further complicated by endless doctor appointments and medical bills that are mounting at an alarming rate.

Melanie is a fighter and the strongest person I know. I don’t know how she did it, but she worked continuously during her first rounds of chemo and radiation. She has never complained, but instead has considered taking on a part time job, quickly realizing that is not feasible right now due to the number of appointments she will have. We know that everyone is struggling right now, and Melanie would never ask for help on her own. She has always been the ‘Pay it Forward’ and selfless type, coming to terms with this diagnosis by saying “If it saves someone else from having to go through this, I’m glad it’s me.”

I am reaching out for some assistance to help her catch up on her medical bills from the last few years, and the many more she will need to cover in the upcoming months. Any help is greatly appreciated.