Support Dwayne Lawrence

I am Melanie, Dwayne Lawrence is my husband. I am currently a kindergarten teacher in the state of Virginia. I have also taught in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia as a special education teacher. I will be the recipient of donations. All donations will go towards supporting Dwayne with his cost of living and medical expenses.

Life has dealt Dwayne and I a devastating blow. Dwayne was diagnosed with a rare form of bile duct cancer in June 2023. Prior to this news, Dwayne was working as an independent occupational therapist (OT) doing what he loved. He loved helping others heal and become mobile again. There has been one thing after another that has prevented Dwayne from receiving consistent cancer treatment. The treatment he has received, mainly radiation, has had negative side effects that caused him to need a feeding tube (one month ago). He has had two fractured femurs (left and right) and a tumor removed and spinal infusion.

Dwayne was an independent OT contractor which didn't afford him sick leave. We did not predict nor were we prepared for the events that have happened in the last 7 months. We were living with both incomes, but now it is a struggle to make ends meet with one. Due to the aggressive cancer that is attacking Dwayne's bones, he has been unable to return to work since May 2023 and now requires a lot of care. His most recent surgery to repair a fractured left femur, 4 days ago, has left him requiring care around the clock. Unfortunately, my job does not have paid family medical leave.

Dwayne needs me to be there for him and I want to care for him as much as I can. Dwayne is a fighter and we are not giving up!

The support we receive will be used to help pay unexpected medical and monthly expenses in the event I am unable to work so that I can provide care for my husband. Medical expenses include any support of home health that may be necessary, equipment that is needed and not covered by insurance, tube feeding food, electric, rent, insurance, phone, medicine etc. The impact of any donation no matter how big or small is immensely appreciated and much needed.

The support received will lighten the load that Dwayne carries for not being able to do what he loves to do, support and help me not worry how we will make it.