Melissa Medical Expenses

Hello, I'm Sandy, and together with my mother and sister Bianca, we are reaching out to our cherished family and friends for support in raising funds to cover the medical expenses of our beloved daughter and sister, Melissa Fuentes.

Melissa is a dedicated single mother who has poured her heart and soul into providing for her son. Sadly, she has been grappling with persistent health challenges. In July of 2022, Melissa received a diagnosis of Diverticulitis, a digestive condition that causes inflammation or infection in small pouches (diverticula) within the intestine lining. While diverticula are common, particularly after the age of 40, they seldom pose issues. You can find more information about this condition here: [Mayo Clinic - Diverticulitis](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371758)

Melissa has experienced flare-ups throughout the year and now faces the necessity of surgery to remove a portion of her large intestine. Her medical journey includes a pre-operative procedure (colonoscopy) scheduled for December 7th at 9 AM to assess the extent of the colon that needs removal.

On December 12th, Melissa will undergo sigmoid colectomy surgery and is expect to stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days. You can view an image below regarding the type of surgery she is having. More about detail about this surgery can be found here: https://www.ccalliance.org/blog/patient-support/types-of-colorectal-cancer-resection-surgeries

Recovery will be a challenging journey, lasting 6 to 8 weeks. For the initial period, Melissa will be unable to drive for 7 to 14 days post-surgery and will be limited to a diet of pureed foods, broths, jellos, smoothies, and similar items for 6 to 8 weeks, gradually reintroducing solids if her healing progresses as expected.

Despite having health insurance, it's crucial to note that NEARLY ALL HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES DO NOT COVER COLONOSCOPIES FOR INDIVIDUALS UNDER 40 YEARS OF AGE. Melissa will celebrate her 36th birthday in October.

We are still awaiting confirmation from the insurance provider regarding coverage for the surgery. However, time is of the essence, and we cannot afford to delay this critical procedure any further. We kindly implore our friends and family to contribute to Melissa's medical journey, assisting her in covering surgery expenses, medications, follow-up appointments, and the time she'll need to take off work. We also ask for your prayers, hoping that the insurance will ultimately cover the surgery and hospitalization costs.

Your generosity and support during this challenging time mean the world to us and will help Melissa on her path to recovery. Thank you for standing by our side.