Melissa Needs Your Help for Critical Surgery

Hi, my name is Melissa. I’m 48 years old. When I was 17, I was in a house fire. I had skin grafts done over my entire left leg and a free flap done on my left ankle. I’ve always had issues with the flap, wearing sneakers and winter boots, and anything that would rub up against it would break it down. I would have to apply ointment, etc., to help it heal. I am a home health aide and a CNA. I’m not currently working as I am unable to due to a torn rotator cuff in my left shoulder, a retracted bicep in my left arm, and now my ankle.

I’m kind of at a stopping point because I’m not really sure what to do, so this is kind of like my last resort. I have really not the greatest insurance, and in the state of Florida, they never passed the ACA law, so I can’t get state Medicaid to help with. I’ve had two hospitalizations inpatient and two ER visits within the last month.

I had stepped on an ant hill while taking pictures of wildlife and also went down to Indian River and to the ocean to take pictures. My left ankle got infected where the ant bites were and progressively got worse. I’m not one to ask for help, but now I have no choice. I really need this grafting done. My max out-of-pocket is due before I can have the surgery. I live in Palm Bay, and we’ve been having to drive back and forth to Orlando. I’m currently not working due to not being able to put weight on my ankle. I’m on the verge of being completely broke. I’m out of options besides asking for help now. Medical bills are piling up, and I have my car insurance, which is $958 for six months, coming up, and my monthly cell phone bill.

I usually do my best to help others, and I hate that I am not in that position anymore.

I need prayers more than anything as I know money is tight for everyone. Even $5 or $10 would help. My copays are $55 per visit, and on some days, I have two visits to two different departments. If I get help, I promise to pay it forward as soon as I am able to. Thank you in advance.

Melissa