Hi, I’m Meli (aka Spunky Mango)!

I'm currently fundraising to help cover the cost of major dental reconstruction -- a procedure that's not simply cosmetic, but necessary for my health, comfort, and confidence. The total cost quoted to us about $42,000, and I am humbly asking for your help.

Why I Need Your Help

When I was just four years old, I was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma -- a rare and aggressive form of soft-tissue cancer. My tumor was located in my nasopharynx (the space between the nasal cavity and the rest of the throat), which meant treatment had to be aggressive, too. The surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy that saved my life also came with lifelong side effects: stunted bone growth, a speech impediment, and severe dental issues (just to name a few).

At 17, I had reconstructive surgery on my upper jaw to help correct the stunted bone growth caused by radiation therapy. A few years ago, I reached a major milestone: implants for my upper teeth. Specifically, I received an All-on-4 implant -- a dental procedure where a full row of teeth is attached to four titanium posts anchored in the jaw. It gave me back the ability to eat, speak, and smile more comfortably.

Now, it's time to address the bottom half of my mouth -- and the price tag is overwhelming.

The Reality

Dental implants aren't just about appearance. They're about being able to chew without pain, speak clearly, and avoid future bone loss and infections. Unfortunately, procedures like this are rarely covered by insurance and come with a hefty price tag.

I've put this off for much longer than I should have, mostly because of the price and fear of the financial burden on myself and my family, but this cannot wait any longer.

I was quoted about $42,000 for the reconstruction. This includes the extractions, implants, and a custom prosthetic -- all essential for daily function and long-term health. Luckily for us, we will be able to finance this cost -- but that also means we'll be paying it off for the next five to ten years.

Why This Matters

This journey has never been easy, but I've never stopped pushing forward. Completing this dental reconstruction means so much more than just physical relief -- it's a step toward fully healing from something that started nearly 25 years ago. It's about reclaiming my quality of life and being able to smile, speak, and eat without pain or hesitation.

How You Can Help

Every donation, no matter the amount, goes directly toward reducing the debt we're taking on to make this essential care possible. If you're not in a position to give, sharing this page with your friends, family, or social networks would mean the world.