Support Melva on Her Lung Transplant Journey

Welcome to our GoFundMe page, and thank you for your care and concern for Melva! We are using this platform to raise financial support for the non-medical expenses associated with her lung transplant journey. Your generosity and kindness during this time mean the world to us.

Melva was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic and progressive lung disease that has made daily life increasingly difficult. The lung damage from IPF is irreversible. Over the past year, we’ve done everything we can to manage her condition. Despite countless doctor visits and medication changes, Melva has continued to be the strong, loving presence she’s always been. During a recent visit to St. Joseph’s Hospital, her doctor confirmed that she can be evaluated for the lung transplant list. However, this is just the beginning of a long journey ahead.

Melva currently lives on the Navajo (Diné) Nation, more than five hours away from the transplant center. After dedicating 30 years of her life to serving the Navajo Nation, she now lives on a fixed income. The costs of relocating to Phoenix—including rent, utilities, and daily living needs—on top of supporting herself during the evaluation and recovery period, are estimated to be between $9,000 and $13,000. The financial burden is more than we can handle alone, and we are asking for your support.

As Melva’s youngest daughter and primary caregiver, I’ve been by her side as she transitioned to being on supplemental oxygen 24/7. While I’m fortunate to be able to use sick leave to help my mom attend her medical appointments, the months ahead will require even more of my time and care. We are incredibly grateful for our supportive family, insurance, and my workplace allowing me to take a leave of absence.

Our mom has always been a strong Diné asdzáán (Navajo woman)—a loving mother and grandmother who puts her family first. Her strength, kind spirit, and wit keep us hopeful. She is looking forward to many more years with her daughters and grandchildren, and to enjoy her well-deserved retirement in good health.

Any support you can provide will help ease the financial burden, allowing us to focus on Melva’s recovery and healing.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, or on social media would mean the world to us. Please stay tuned for updates on Melva’s journey, and feel free to leave her a message of encouragement—she would love to read your kind words.

Thank you for your generosity and for giving our mom the space and strength she needs for this life-changing process.

Ahe’héé’ nitsáagó (Thank you so much)!