Help Melissa Heal from Endometriosis

Hello, friends! I am fundraising for my dear friend Melissa DePaolo, who is fighting horribly, debilitating endometriosis that requires urgent surgery. Her surgery is this week, and will cost $16,000 - not covered by insurance.

Here is her story, in her own words:

"You may have noticed I haven't been myself over the past year and especially over the past few months. I've been hesitant to share my story but I feel like I'm at my breaking point and now I'm humbly reaching out to you for help. I have actually been suffering in silence and after having been ignored and or misdiagnosed by numerous doctors I was encouraged by family and friends to seek out yet another opinion from a specialist because they had seen me have to go to the ER numerous times (every month) because I was writhing in pain and almost having to call 911. The excruciating and debilitating pelvic, back and stomach pain, brain fog, extreme fatigue, constant nausea, heart palpitations and numerous digestive issues (including almost blocking my intestine from so much inflammation) all were finally diagnosed by an amazing doctor ...... I have the later stages endometriosis.

Endometriosis is an estrogen driven disease when the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus and attaches itself to other organs. My organs and even my lower spine are all attached in a big web of this endometrial tissue. This in itself is almost impossible to live with but it also comes with a high price of infertility in many cases.

I was trying to just deal with it and stay positive, but in recent months of battling I have been having the most severe pain I have ever experienced. It has gotten to the point where I no longer can serve at church or work.

After endless research I know that the only way to get my life back is by having the removal surgery. Because of the delicate location of this procedure it takes a VERY skilled surgeon to excise ALL the disease and still preserve fertility. There are only a few doctors who specialize in this type of surgery in the nation. By a miracle I was able to get an appointment with Dr. Kanayama who is confident that he will be able to remove the disease and preserve my fertility, giving me a chance at a having a normal quality of life and a family in the future.

The total out of pocket cost after insurance coverage for hospital and anesthesiology is $16,000.

I am asking for your hand, whether it's to donate, or to share this along with someone that may have the funds or resources to do so. I can't even tell you how much I appreciate ANY level of generosity.

My surgery is scheduled for this Thursday, July 29th at 10:30am. I would sincerely appreciate any prayers during this procedure if you are kind enough to offer them!!

P.S. Please feel free to reach out to me - especially if you are a women who happens to be experiencing any of these symptoms yourself."