Hi everyone, my name is Stephanie, and I’m writing this on behalf of my sister, Melanie. On the evening of Saturday, August 2nd, Melanie was in a serious bicycle accident that could have taken her life.

She was riding home with her boyfriend, trying to beat the setting sun, when she glanced over her shoulder to make sure he was still behind her — and in that split second, she collided with a parked flatbed truck. She lost consciousness on impact and blacked out completely. They somehow made it home, but Melanie was in unbearable pain and couldn’t stop vomiting. She hoped it was something she could “shake off,” but by Sunday morning, the pain had only gotten worse, and she finally went to the ER.

That’s when things took a terrifying turn.

After extensive scans and X-rays, doctors discovered:

• A hairline skull fracture that caused her eye to swell black and blue

• An AC fracture in her right shoulder

• And most critically, a nearly severed liver, causing internal bleeding

The trauma surgeon told her that had she waited even a few more hours to come in, she wouldn’t have made it. The internal bleeding was life-threatening, and it is truly a miracle that she is alive today.

Now, she’s in the hospital recovering, but her road to healing is just beginning. Melanie will need at least a couple months if not more off work to allow her body the chance to recover without setbacks. As many of you know, time off work means no income — and between rent, medical bills, and basic living expenses, things are already starting to add up fast.

We’re asking for support — any amount — to help ease the financial burden while Melanie focuses on healing. Your donations will go directly toward:

• Medical expenses and hospital bills

• Rent and utilities during her month off

• Food, transportation, and recovery needs

Even if you can’t donate, sharing this with your community means the world to us. Melanie is one of the most strong-willed, loving people I know, and I truly believe she was spared for a reason.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for being part of her healing journey.

With love and gratitude,

Stephanie