Update two:

Earlier this week I was rushed to the ER with what they feared was a heart attack. After hours of tests—an EKG, blood work, urine tests, and even an X-ray—thankfully it wasn’t my heart.

But it was another serious health issue that now means more medications and follow-up doctor visits very soon.

The whole experience was frightening and a harsh reminder of just how much stress and worry our family is carrying right now.

On top of that, Megan finished her last pre-op appointment today. Her surgery is scheduled for the 29th, with at least a two-day hospital stay expected.

Between constant hospital visits, new prescriptions, and the looming surgery, it feels like we’re being hit from every side.

Your support—whether through donations, sharing, or kind words—makes an enormous difference in helping us keep going through all this. Thanks so much to everyone for all you have done so far.

Please help us keep pushing through, we're almost on the home stretch! .

(Update below)

We’re one surgery away from hope — but we can’t make it alone.

Hi, I’m Kalina. My wife, Megan, and I have built a busy, love-filled home with our two amazing kids (14 and 12), four loyal dogs, and six rescue cats who have gone from uncertain pasts to living their happily-ever-after with us.

This past year has been the hardest we’ve ever faced. Megan has been battling serious health challenges — including Fibromyalgia and a severe debilitating case of Degenerative Disc Disease. She’s also had two surgeries in the last two months to remove breast lumps. We're waiting on Biopsy results from those) and now she’s preparing for a major spinal fusion surgery.

Megan lives with constant, chronic pain. On the rare “good” days, she pays for them with several bad days where even getting out of bed is nearly impossible. We’re praying that this next surgery will finally bring her the relief she deserves.

Two months ago, Megan lost her mum — a devastating blow. They were incredibly close, and Megan was her mum’s primary caregiver during her final months of life. The loss has left her grieving deeply, while also trying to cope with her own declining health.

Before her health declined, Megan ran a small, hands-on business recovering and repurposing items from storage units — rescuing goods that might otherwise be thrown away and offering them at affordable prices to local families. It was tough, physical work, and because she’s self-employed, she doesn’t qualify for disability benefits.

With Megan unable to work, we’ve been surviving on my income alone, and we’ve fallen behind on bills. We’re raising funds to help keep our family afloat during her recovery — covering basic living costs, school needs for our kids, care for our rescue animals, and medical expenses and travel not covered by insurance.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will help us breathe a little easier and allow us to focus on Megan’s healing.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for helping us fight for Megan’s health, our family’s stability, and the hope of a future where she can live without pain.

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Update on Megan

Megan has been back to her breast doctor twice now, and sadly her breast still isn’t healing the way it should. After several failed attempts with silver nitrate treatments, they’re now talking about a third revision surgery. It’s been such a draining process for her, but she keeps pushing through with strength and grace.

On top of that, we’ve had to go through three separate pre-op appointments already. Each one means two hours on the bus—each way—and it leaves Megan exhausted for days afterward. Still, she does her best every time. We’ve got one more pre-op appointment with another doctor on the 25th, and then the big one: spinal surgery on the 29th, followed by a two-day hospital recovery.

We are so grateful for everyone who has donated so far. A lot of what’s come in went straight to the kids—new clothes, shoes, and backpacks for school—because they deserve to feel ready and confident for the year ahead. The rest has gone toward bus fare for medical appointments and keeping our household afloat during this difficult time.

We still need more help to keep going, but we’re holding on to love and hope. Every little bit makes a difference, and your support truly carries us through these long days. Thank you all so very much for standing with us and helping Megan fight through all of this.

With love and gratitude,

Our family