Melisa’s Recovery

Hello, my name is Melisa Martinez Grisales. 15 years ago, I arrived from Colombia to the United States with many hopes and dreams. I am a chemical engineering student at USF and I work as a server in Saint Petersburg.

On September 11, 2023, I had to go to the emergency room, where they rushed me to the operating room to perform life-or-death surgery. They found a large abscess with an air-fluid level in the anterior abdomen and a rupture in the intestine causing peritonitis.

The surgeons performed a total colectomy where they removed my entire colon and appendix and placed an end Ileostomy. I am waiting for two more surgeries, which will be scheduled for the spring. For this reason, I am unable to work or return to school until I recover.

Today I ask for your support since the medical expenses are very high and it is not within my means to cover them. As difficult as this process has been, it is just as difficult for me to ask for help. I appreciate your donation and collaboration in spreading the word to your friends.