My name is Michelle. I’m a 30 something Portlander who is trying to do a soft reset on my life after having some pretty significant surgeries on my spine and leg. This GFM is to help me maintain housing (*now especially with the need for an upcoming move), pay bills, and everyday basic expenses while I am continuing my healing process post-op.

In the fall of 2025 I had surgery to remove two tumors on my thoracic spine, fusing 6 of my vertebrae and significantly limiting my mobility. Just one month later, I had an additional surgery to have a tumor (fibroma) removed from my left leg. This being just a few inches higher and located on the same nerve as a previous sarcoma, post-op and continued recovery has been especially difficult both physically and mentally as I battle to recover from past and present trauma.

The reason for me needing all of these surgeries is because I was born with a silly little thing called Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on the nerves throughout my body. They are generally benign, and fortunately this was the case with my recent surgeries. 

Unfortunately, when I was 19 I was diagnosed with stage 3 sarcoma. Which I was treated for back in CA. After chemo, radiation, and multiple surgeries I was left with chronic pain, neuropathy, and partial paralysis in my left leg.  

This has made my life very difficult,  and of course, at times painful. My most recent surgery has only exasperated these conditions, coming with its own struggles and complications as well. 

Difficult as it may be for now, I know I will push through and heal. 

I’ve always tried to not let my disability limit me. I've spent 15 years in the service industry, on a foot/leg lovingly referred to by many as “gimpy”.  I’ve held myself up through many a long shift and fought through pain.

But now it’s just realistic or safe anymore.  And currently , I’m still waiting for it to be safe and realistic to fully return to daily life. The healing process has been much slower than I anticipated, with some points of regression as well. But this is no reason to not remain positive. 

As I am still trying to figure it all out, I really need to your help right now to make sure to save up what I need to move. I need help not only covering my current bills, but also moving costs, and hopefully in having a small start on funds so I can relocate smoothly when my home is sold this spring and not immediately fall behind again.

Donations will help with:

Thank you for taking the time to read this far if you did ! Anything helps, even $1. If you can’t donate passing along and sharing this is seriously appreciated.  Your support has, and does, mean so much to me (and Lilly). Just as you have  done thus far, I hope we can find me a new home to continue on the time to I need to heal, adjust to my new limitations, and start over on solid footing.

Thank you everyone for your support! 

<3 Michelle & Lilly