Update:

I wanted to share an update on Melissa. A stent was placed, and while Byron (that's what she's coined it) will eventually run its course, the most important part is that Melissa is alive! She’s in pain, but she made it through surgery and is now beginning the road to recovery.

Melissa asked me to pass along her deepest thanks to everyone who prayed, donated, and sent well wishes. Your support has lifted her through an incredibly difficult time.

In her words: “Now it’s all about getting strong enough to keep kicking ass! "

Let’s continue to surround her with love, strength, and encouragement as she heals.

And please continue to share this campaign.

Tomorrow, my dear friend Melissa Gamboa will undergo surgery for a brain aneurysm — something no one ever imagines facing. Just last year, she survived a COVID-induced pulmonary embolism, and because of that long recovery, she has exhausted all of her available sick leave. This means she will now have to recover from surgery without a paycheck coming in.

Melissa is the kind of person who shows up for everyone else. She’s been a mentor, a friend, and a source of strength through so many hard times. Now it’s our turn to be that strength for her.

Your donation will help ease the heavy burden of bills and living expenses while she recovers. It will give her the gift of focusing fully on healing, instead of worrying about how to get by.

Even the smallest contribution helps, and if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign will mean the world.

Let’s surround Melissa with love, hope, and support as she fights through this and comes out stronger.

Together, we can help Melissa focus on her healing and look forward to brighter, healthier days ahead.