Hi everyone, It’s Melanie. I’m reaching out to ask for your help. Here’s my story: I went to a standard eye appointment in March of 2025 to update my glasses prescription. After screening my eyes, I was informed by the ophthalmologist that I needed to go to the ER immediately. My optic nerves were inflamed and could burst at any moment resulting in extreme visual impairment.

I went to Urgent Care for a CAT scan and from there, was rushed to the ICU. After MRIs, we discovered that the cerebral fluid in my brain wasn’t draining due to a pinched occipital ventricle, and the built up fluid was pushing on my eyes. This was not a problem that a lumbar puncture could fix, it required a CSF Shunt / VP Shunt. This meant that a tube would be inserted into my brain and connected to a valve attached to my skull. From there, a second tube would stretch under my skin from the valve in my skull all the way down to my stomach, acting as a drainage system for any excess fluid. So technically it was brain & abdominal surgery. People ask me when the shunt will be removed but these tools that are foreign to my body are here to stay, this isn't something that gets taken out after X amount of months. If I’m lucky, they’ll keep functioning well and future surgeries won't be necessary.

While visiting doctors and being wheeled into surgery, I felt calm and that surgery would be a success. At that point, the worst part was inserting the IV (I hate needles). Everything so far surprised me and happened so fast, but what I really wasn’t prepared for was the obstacles awaiting me during recovery.

I’ve experienced two separate instances where the doctors told me the surgery might need to be redone. The first was 6 weeks after surgery, when they thought they’d inserted a broken valve into my head, only to find out 2 weeks later that there was a miscommunication between doctors and the valve was working fine. The second was when my doctor said that if (this was 6 months after the surgery) they didn't see any changes in my fluid levels, it would be likely that I’d have to have the surgery again, this time with the valve on the left side of my brain instead of the right.

Recovery in and of itself is difficult enough, I cannot begin to express the disappointment of hearing you’ll need the same procedure again and the further disappointment to hear it twice - once due to a miscommunication between the people who operated on you. I would never wish surgery or medical stress on anyone, but I'm grateful for this experience because through it I’m able to relate to others medical experiences with much more depth and empathy.

Before I had time to finish recovering and returning to my usual work schedule, my medical bills were sent to a debt collector. On top of all the ways surgery alters your life (mentally, emotionally and physically), this has significantly impacted the possibility of financial stability. I jumped back into the work force as soon as I could -at one point even working 3 jobs- but I am in no position to be paying these medical bills as aggressively as the debt collectors are demanding.

As an artist, I’m incredibly grateful to have my vision. I walked in the glasses store hoping to leave with new frames, but my angels did me one better and just barely saved my ability to see. I can’t imagine who I’d be if I couldn’t make art. Sometimes I find myself manically sketching art ideas because this whole experience has left me with the fear that my vision will suddenly just leave me, and with it my accessibility to the visual arts. Every moment that I am healthy and able to witness the world around me is a sincere blessing I’ve never been more aware of.

If you know me personally, I’ve been reserved for awhile, not to appear strong, but to protect something fragile & personal to me. I continue to struggle with physical discomfort and still feel incredibly moved when talking about any of it. I thought I was struggling before the surgery (your 20’s are really tough, who knew?) but now, I'm realizing the weight of my situation. It’s unrealistic to do any of this alone and I shouldn't expect myself to. I’m asking for some help to overcome medical debt and get back on my feet.

Thank you for reading my story, sharing it has not been easy. If you’re in the place to donate, thank you so much, every bit counts. If you’re not in a place to donate, trust me, I understand. Instead, please share this story with someone you think would appreciate it, and continue to look out for your loved ones and communities in the ways you can. Also… Go visit your ophthalmologist, just in case. Thanks again everyone.