Emergency Medical Expenses for Melissa

Hello, our friend Melissa was unexpectedly hospitalized on October 2nd. Melissa had been suffering with nausea, vomiting, and severe pain which was thought to be caused by a very bad kidney stone. She was scheduled to have a stent inserted and lithotripsy performed to help remove the stone. Unfortunately, her symptoms took a turn for the worse and she is now being treated for C. Diff. Colitis. This is caused by bacteria spilling from the colon into the hollow space into the abdominal cavity, and can lead to a life-threatening infection called peritonitis. Serious C. difficile infection can quickly become fatal if not treated promptly. Thankfully the doctors have started treatment with I.V antibiotics delivered for the past week. She still has a long road to recovery and will be having a PICC to deliver medications directly to the large central veins near her heart to help fight off this terrible infection.

Melissa loves animals, she also works as a pet stylist at an Animal Hospital. Unfortunately, her job does not provide her with health insurance and the costs to continue to receive treatment to fight the infection will exceed +$1,000. To make matters worse, in Missouri if you gross over $20,120 over the course of the year you do not qualify for Medicaid. With Melissa being in the hospital for the extended period of time and being unable to work her medical bills have compounded greatly.

I personally met Melissa through taking Improvisantional Comedy classes in St. Louis. I've known her for a little over a year now and I have come to know a few things about Melissa. #1 - She is a die hard Steelers Fan, I imagine when the nurse takes her blood every morning she gets vials of black and yellow. #2 she is selfless, this characteristic is rare in life and what I believe drives her to continue working to care for animals at her job without the benefits necessary in these unfortunate situations. #3 She is quick to help others and she is not one to ever ask for help. I am asking you to please help Melissa cover the burden of these emergency medical expenses get her back on her feet, smiling, laughing, and continuing her journey to make the world a better place. Thank you.