Some might know Melissa through casting, some might know her through the entertainment world…some are lucky enough to call her a friend. Those who know her know she doesn’t like to ask for help. Through several conversations and a bit of prying she opened up and told me she just had currently left NYC to have her fourth back surgery…yes surgery number FOUR! This one included some awesome hardware in the form of multiple titanium rods and screws. Because of this, she's been bedridden for a few months and could be recovering for at least a few more months. As anyone in the arts will tell you, no work, no money. We are not in an industry that pays you when your not working. Melissa told me unfortunately she is not receiving disabilty and is also in an appeal to get compensated. Add to that, the cost of this last surgery, the loss of her union insurance for a much more expensive one due to unemployment, her bills are really piling up. I'm hoping we might be able to help take some of this burden from her and get her on her way to healing and back working and doing what she loves and working in an industry with people she considers family. She doesn’t know I am doing this (Well now she will) but i'm hoping we can help. If I have found one thing about the arts industry is that we all support each other and help when we can. I hope you can help, anything is appreciated. If you can’t help financially, please share, tag and whatever you can to help spread the word.