Help Michella Fight Stage 4 Cancer

To Whom It May Concern,

I am reaching out in desperation, seeking help for my wife, Michella, and I. We are navigating an overwhelming journey through her battle with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. This is a rare and aggressive form of cancer—1% of people in the world experience this form. We are facing astronomical medical expenses and have exhausted all of our financial resources: savings, PTO, EDD, PFL. Michella has lost her job due to the intense demands of her illness, and I have had to leave my job to be my wife’s certified caregiver full-time.

In June 2023, I had the honor of marrying my soulmate. Our wedding was heavenly, surrounded by family and friends. However, just three weeks after our wedding, our lives took a devastating turn. Michella began experiencing extreme fatigue and severe lymph node swelling. She could barely get out of bed, and I had to assist her with basic daily tasks like showering.

It took five ER visits and two biopsies—one initially returning as non-benign—before the cancer was finally diagnosed in November 2023. By this time, the disease had progressed significantly, with symptoms including dramatic weight loss, night sweats, abdominal pain, and dangerously enlarged lymph nodes. It was now stage 4. My wife immediately started an aggressive chemotherapy treatment, enduring grueling cycles and frequent doctor’s appointments.

By March 2024, we celebrated her being declared cancer-free. We celebrated by fulfilling my wife’s bucket list item and went skydiving with our dad. We were full of joy only to face heartbreak in April when the cancer returned. Another round of chemotherapy followed, and in August, Michella underwent a bone marrow transplant that required a month-long hospital stay. Once again, we thought we had conquered this illness, only to find in October that the cancer had returned yet again. A collapsed lung further complicated her condition, and Michella has since resumed chemotherapy while requiring round-the-clock care.

Our financial situation has become dire. We have exhausted savings, PTO, FMLA, EDD, and all other avenues of support. Despite my full-time caregiver responsibilities, we do not qualify for Medicare, IHSS, or food assistance programs. Social Security Admin is only giving Michella $48 a month. We are now turning to our friends, family, and community for help and prayers.

I assist Michella daily with walking, showering, meals, household tasks, and transporting her to multiple weekly medical appointments. This has been a test of faith and endurance, and we remain hopeful through the grace of God. We humbly ask for your prayers and if you find it in your heart, any financial assistance to help us continue this fight.

Thank you for reading our story and for any help you can provide. Your kindness will mean the world to us.

With gratitude,

Deangelo