Help Melissa learn to walk again

Hi, My name is Samantha and I am setting up this GoFundMe for my best friend, Melissa, on behalf of her friends and family. All monies donated here will be going to Melissa.

On Thursday, February 20th 2025, Melissa Ralph's life took a sudden and unexpected turn. She was heading home from work just after 6pm. While crossing in the crosswalk, Melissa was struck by the driver of an SUV. She was in sudden and excruciating pain before she even hit the ground, but the worst of it was concentrated in her right hip. Thankfully there were other drivers who witnessed the accident and stayed with Melissa to provide emotional support until paramedics could arrive. The paramedics on duty couldn't move her body without prolonged assessment for spinal inquiries, which left her lying on the freezing wet ground while dealing with the shock of what had just happened. A trip to the hospital and a few hours of debilitating pain later, doctors informed her that the accident broke her pelvis in three places and that an Orthopedic Specialist would need to operate soon to try and preserve her ability to walk. February 25th was her first surgery which resulted in the surgeon implanting plates and pins to restore shape and function to the front of her right hip. Her second surgery, on March 4th, was to repair the break on the back of her pelvis which resulted in another plate and additional pins being placed.

Due to the extensive damage sustained to her pelvis and two major surgeries, Melissa will continue to be in the hospital for at least the next few weeks. She will then have a long and painful recovery lasting months, potentially up to a year. Melissa will need extensive physical therapy in order to learn how to walk again. During this time she will not be able to work and will need medical equipment as well as many rides to the various doctors and physical therapy appointments. We are raising money not just for additional medical expenses, but also rent, utilities, groceries, to try and allow her to fully concentrate on her healing journey. Melissa would also like to hire a dog walker so she can continue to provide the best care for her beloved dog "Shaboots" while she is learning to walk again. Any contribution, no matter how small, would be appreciated.

We thank you all for your love, support, and well wishes and will continue to post updates here.