Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out to ask for support for my beautiful aunty, Mellissa, who has recently gone through one of the toughest times of her life. After becoming incredibly unwell, Mellissa has been left unable to work and is now facing significant financial pressure on top of everything else.

Mellissa is the kind of person who gives everything she has to others — always the first to help, support, and care for those around her. But now, she needs a little of that kindness returned.

A Health Crisis No One Saw Coming

In November 2023, Mellissa made the brave decision to undergo weight loss surgery after years of struggling with her weight due to a rare blood condition and chronic iron deficiency. At the time, she weighed 128kg and had been advised by doctors that surgery was her best option for long-term health.

The surgery was initially successful, and she lost a significant amount of weight. But by January 2024, things took a devastating turn. Mellissa began experiencing excruciating abdominal pain and could no longer eat. Doctors suspected an ulcer, but during surgery, they discovered scar tissue wrapped tightly around her bowel — and tragically, during the procedure, her bowel was accidentally nicked, leading to serious complications.

Since then, her health has rapidly declined.

In January 2025, she was diagnosed with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) — a condition where her pancreas no longer produces the enzymes needed to digest food. She now requires lifelong medication every time she eats just to absorb nutrients.

She has been hospitalised repeatedly, suffering from ulcers every 20–30 days and enduring more than 11 feeding tubes in just 12 months. Her current weight is just 48kg and declining, and she has to manage on going malnourish concerns.

Despite endless tests and consultations with specialists, no clear cause or cure has been found. She does not smoke, drink, or have any other lifestyle risks — she simply wanted to live a healthier life. Now, she’s in a daily battle for survival, working with dieticians and a medical care team.

The Financial Burden Is Overwhelming

Mellissa’s health crisis has not only taken a massive toll physically and emotionally, but also financially. She is now unable to work, and the cost of ongoing medical care, hospital stays, feeding supplies, and medications is immense.

Her husband is working 14+ hour days to try to keep up with the mounting bills, but the rising cost of living, loss of income, and continuous health costs have made the situation unsustainable.

For the past 18 months, our extended family has been helping cover bills, groceries, and medical expenses, doing everything we can to support Mellissa while also trying to protect her mental health, which has understandably suffered under the strain.

We’ve reached a point where we simply can’t do it alone anymore.

How You Can Help

This fundraiser is a way for friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers to support someone who truly needs it. Your donation will go directly toward:

Ongoing medical and hospital expenses

Life-saving medications

Travel to specialist appointments

Nutritional support and Therapy

Basic household bills and daily living costs

No donation is too small — every little bit helps. And if you're not in a position to donate, sharing Mellissa's story means the world to us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassion, generosity, and support during this incredibly difficult time.

With love,

Shantelle & Family