Hi, my name is Melanie Balsamo, and I never imagined I’d be asking for help, but here I am.

In December of 2024, I was diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer. Everything changed in an instant. Within weeks, I underwent a double mastectomy, and by February, I began an intense five-month course of chemotherapy.

Chemo took a serious toll on my body. I experienced everything from painful mouth ulcers, severe stomach issues, and relentless nausea and vomiting—to complete hair loss, hot flashes, extreme fatigue, and a red, itchy rash that covered my entire body. Food lost all taste, or worse—tasted like metal and dirt. I was too exhausted to eat, let alone live anything close to a normal life.

As I was fighting for my life, I suffered another devastating loss—my beloved dog of 12 years passed away suddenly. He had been my constant source of comfort and companionship. I did everything I could to save him, spending what little savings I had left, but it wasn’t enough. Losing him broke my heart.

I am now beginning the next phase of my cancer treatment (radiation, healing) and while I’m grateful to still be here, the emotional and financial aftermath is overwhelming. Medical bills, recovery costs, and the basic cost of living have piled up. I’ve been unable to work and have drained my resources trying to survive both cancer and grief.

I’m asking for help—something I never thought I’d have to do. Every donation, no matter the size, will go toward covering medical expenses, treatment-related needs, and getting back on my feet.

If you can’t give, sharing this page would mean the world. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading my story.