Hi there! My name is Mikailla and I am reaching out for help for my mom, Melissa Walker.

Many of you may know that my mom has faced an incredibly difficult journey with her health. But if you haven't here is short synopsis: she was first diagnosed with Melanoma in 1999 and then it later turned into Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma around 2008. Despite numerous setbacks and predictions that she wouldn’t survive, she courageously fought and, after many years, eventually went into remission. Unfortunately, that remission was short-lived, as she was later diagnosed with Lymphoma—another battle she faced with the same strength and perseverance before going into remission.

Today, she continues to deal with severe and complex health issues, including neutropenia, living with constant pain, and possible Crohn’s disease, among other debilitating conditions. These challenges have made it impossible for her to work, and despite the efforts of her doctors, many of her symptoms remain unexplained. Over the past year alone, she has spent many weeks and months in and out of the hospital. We anticipate that her need for further treatments, surgeries, and hospital stays will only increase moving forward.

As you can imagine, the emotional and physical toll has been compounded by a growing mountain of medical debt. On top of that, my mom cares deeply for her three German Shorthaired Pointers, who have been a tremendous source of comfort and hope throughout her health struggles. While she loves and cares for them deeply, her continued hospitalizations have made their care increasingly difficult.

Because of this, we tried to find long-term fosters for them but had no luck. Thankfully we did find an amazing space that offers long-term boarding for two of the dogs. While we are so grateful to have found this resource that gives my mom hope of eventually reuniting with her fur-babies once she is better, it does come with even more added expenses.

My mom is someone who tries to avoid asking for help from others if at all possible and simply struggles silently. I am reaching out in hopes that we might be able to help her with all of these extra expenses so that she is able to not only keep her pets but also safely recover and heal. I know it is a very trying time for many right now, and we truly appreciate any help anyone can offer. Whether that includes a donation, a kind word, or even sharing her story.

All donations will be used to help with medical expenses and the care of her two dogs in long-term boarding!

If you have any questions, or would like to offer help in other ways, please feel free to contact me or my siblings!

Thank you.