This was supposed to be about rebuilding my face.

Now it’s about saving my life.

My name is Michelle, and I am in an active fight against stage 4 head and neck cancer. What once felt like a path toward reconstruction has completely changed. Right now, my focus is not surgery — it’s survival.

Four years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 jaw cancer. Since then, I have endured chemotherapy, radiation, and over 35 surgeries — more than half of which have failed. What my body has been through is something I never imagined I would survive, and yet I’m still here, still fighting.

Those surgeries have left me with severe complications, including osteoradionecrosis (bone death), chronic infections, and exposed hardware. I have lost my bottom lip, most of my teeth, and part of my jaw. Eating, speaking, and even smiling are daily struggles. The physical pain is constant, but the emotional toll has been just as heavy.

I hide my face in public. I avoid going out. Even something as simple as a date night with my husband feels impossible because of the stares. Nothing about this journey has been normal. It has felt like a never-ending nightmare.

Now, I am traveling back and forth to Houston to receive specialized care that I cannot get in Arizona. This is not optional — this is the level of care my life depends on. But with that comes overwhelming costs — travel, lodging, medical expenses, and basic living needs — all while trying to continue treatment.

I have sold everything of value. I have worked when I should have been recovering from surgery just to keep our household functioning. I have done everything I can to hold things together.

And now I’m at a breaking point.

I am facing losing my home, my electricity, and the only vehicle we have — all while trying to continue life-saving treatment. I am being forced to make impossible choices between basic survival and continuing my care.

Head and neck cancer is under-recognized and underfunded. There are very few resources available for patients like me, especially when treatment requires leaving your home state. This isn’t just a medical battle — it’s a financial one too, and there are almost no safety nets.

Funds will go toward:

• Travel and lodging in Houston for treatment

• Medical expenses not covered by insurance

• Basic living expenses while I fight this disease

• Keeping my home, utilities, and transportation stable so I can continue care

I am not asking for help to feel “normal.”

I am asking for help to stay alive.

If you can donate, I am deeply grateful. If you can’t, please share this — be the ripple effect that helps me reach someone who can.

Every share, every donation, and every bit of support helps me keep fighting.

—Michelle