Help Nathan Fight Genetic Chronic Pancreatitis

Dear friends, family, and compassionate souls,

I am reaching out to you today with a heartfelt plea to support my dear friends, Nathan and Michelle Malone, in Nathan's battle against a rare form of genetic chronic pancreatitis. Since 2014, Nathan's life has been a relentless struggle against this debilitating condition. His unwavering determination and the loving support of his wife Michelle have kept them moving forward, but they now face a critical juncture that requires our collective help.

Earlier this year, Nathan underwent a total Pancreatectomy with auto islet transplantation (TPIAT) in hopes of finding some relief. However, this complex procedure has brought about new challenges. Nathan has lost over 60lbs and is currently fighting severe malnutrition. His body is struggling to absorb the nutrients it so desperately needs. The situation has become dire, and the medical team is working tirelessly to stabilize Nathan's condition.

Throughout this arduous journey, Nathan's medical bills have accumulated to a staggering $180,000. These financial burdens, coupled with the emotional toll of navigating a debilitating illness, have been overwhelming for Nathan and Michelle. Despite applying for disability, Nathan has faced two rejections and is now awaiting a hearing, a process that will take another year to resolve.

Michelle, Nathan's devoted wife, has been his rock and the sole breadwinner as a dedicated teacher. Since joining our Early Childhood Education team at the YWCA Minneapolis, Michelle has worked tirelessly to build up our Anti-Bias and Diversity programming, introduce our center families to community resources, and expand on the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women at every opportunity. In just one year, Michelle and Nathan's efforts toward our Minneapolis Community have been life-changing for so many families. Their resilience in the face of adversity is nothing short of inspiring. However, the weight of medical expenses and the uncertainty of Nathan's health have placed an enormous strain on their finances -- Now, Michelle and Nathan need life-changing support for their family.

This is where we come in. We have launched this GoFundMe campaign to rally around Nathan and Michelle, to ease the financial burden and allow them to focus on what truly matters - Nathan's recovery. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a profound impact. It will provide crucial support for medical bills, ongoing treatments, and daily necessities.

Let's join hands and show Nathan and Michelle that they are not alone on this challenging path. Your generosity will help alleviate the stress they face and give them the space to heal and rebuild. Share this campaign with your network, spread the word, and let's create a ripple of compassion that will make a lasting difference.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing by Nathan and Michelle during this difficult time. Your kindness, love, and support mean the world to them.

With gratitude,

Shelby Mielke