Hello, Dear Friends –

We’re the Belmontes – Marc, Dani, and our sweet, clever pup, Maui.

First, thank you for taking a moment to read this. This is our first time reaching out on a platform like this, and to be honest, it’s not easy for us. We’re learning as we go, both with the technology—and with how to ask for help in one of the most vulnerable seasons of our lives.

You may not know us. And if you do, and we’ve ever misstepped along the way—please know that from our hearts, we’re sorry. What we do believe, though, is that we’re all deeply connected. Whatever you call that higher Source—God, Universe, Love—we all come from It. And today, from that place of connection, we’re reaching out.

We need help.

My wife, Dani, and I have been married for just over 3 years, living together in Tampa with Maui, our lovable fur baby. Our daughter and son-in-law live several hours away with our two incredible grandsons, who are 4 and 1 years old.

Unlike most newlyweds learning how to navigate life together—learning to compromise, to grow together—we were learning how to survive. Almost as soon as we began our life together, we were facing Dani’s cancer. Ovarian. A brutal, beautiful, unrelenting three-year fight. And she’s faced it with more grace and strength than I thought possible.

But as of June 25th, after a second opinion, we’ve been told we’re nearing the final stage. The doctors have given us weeks to months. We are now transitioning into hospice care.

I’ve applied for intermittent FMLA so I can be by her side, but I don’t have paid leave or enough savings to cover our bills while I stay home. And truthfully, I don’t want to be anywhere else but with her now. She deserves peace, dignity, and love in these final days. And I want to give her that—not worrying about missed bills or how we’ll get through the month.

This isn’t easy to ask. Maybe it’s pride. Maybe it’s fear. But as I told Dani: "We need help. And the worst that can happen is someone says no. But the best? The best is that someone chooses to stand with us."

Our monthly expenses are modest. Maui, who’s been a rock for us both, also needs surgery on his hind leg, and we’re working toward getting him the care he needs too (someone has already helped us afford his X-rays—thank you from the bottom of our hearts). And we do have business ideas and dreams we hope to bring to life one day when the storm clears. If you're curious, we’d love to share more.

We know times are tough for everyone. But even the smallest offering—of kindness, of prayer, of sharing this message—means the world to us right now.

Thank you for seeing us. Thank you for holding space for our story.

May Love, however you define it, wrap around you and yours today.

With gratitude and hope,

Marc, Dani, and Maui Belmonte