Leah and Shawn: 90 Days of Healing Support

Hello, my name is Dani, and some of you know my incredible sister, Leah, and her devoted husband, Shawn Melvin. I’m reaching out to share their story, hoping that you’ll feel moved to them help during this difficult time.

Dear Friends and Kind Strangers,

Our family has been facing an incredibly challenging journey over the past several months, and we find ourselves in a situation where we must humbly ask for your support.

Shawn has been enduring excruciating back pain for the last four years, which reached a critical point this summer. He has been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, three bulging discs, disc degeneration, and sciatica. These conditions have severely impacted his small painting business, our primary source of income.

Shawn's pain has become unbearable, and he is now scheduled for a major surgery on January 23rd which will leave him unable to work for at least 90 days as he recovers.

I have been struggling with an unknown illness that has caused severe, rapid weight loss, hair loss, and the doctors are still trying to find the cause and how to help. Despite these obstacles, I began nursing school in the fall with unwavering determination. I'm trying to balance being a dedicated student, chasing my career goals, and working part-time to support our family.

My families strength and resilience inspire me every day, but the financial strain is overwhelming.

We have done everything possible to cut back on expenses, including debt consolidation, but the financial burden is too great for us to manage alone. We would not ask for help unless it was absolutely necessary.

We are kindly asking for donations to support our family during this challenging time. Any contribution, whether in monetary form, grocery/food donations, or gas and gift cards, would be immensely appreciated. Your generosity will help us cover essential living expenses and medical bills while Leah and Shawn focus on their health and recovery.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any support you can provide. Your kindness means the world to us.

With heartfelt gratitude, Leah & Shawn