In May 2025, I was at a red light when I was rear-ended by someone going approximately 40 mph. I was taken by ambulance to KU. I was in the most intense pain of my life from my neck down into my left arm and my hips. Scans revealed I had no immediate injuries (praise the Lord) from the accident. I would go on to have 8 months of physical therapy to help with the neck, back and shoulder pains. What those scans did reveal were three “incidentals” as they called them. Three masses. On my ovaries, my breast and my thyroid. I was in a separate roll over accident in October 2019 where a large thyroid nodule had been discovered. I had never followed up on it. The one found in May 2025 was a 2nd, larger mass. My thyroid has since been removed (December 2025) and the masses were all found to be benign. My body has not adapted well to the meds meant to replace my lack of thyroid. I've had multiple med adjustments but my TSH levels remain high. The highest was in June at 37, a dangerously high number. We are trending in the right direction though. As of 10/12/2026 my number is down to 13 and my meds have been increased again. The goal is 4. In the meantime, I live in a state of hypothyroidism. Extreme fatigue, exhaustion, weight gain, muscle and joint pain to name a few.

I had my first mammogram and ultrasound in August 2025. Due to the size and location of the confirmed mass and the doctor's opinion that it is most likely benign, I opted for a conservative route of care which in short means ultrasound every 6 months to monitor. As of my 3rd ultrasound in August 2026, the mass is considered stable and I now do my follow-up annually instead of every six months.

The cysts on my ovaries are considered normal but they continue to cause me pain most months when they rupture. While receiving routine care for the cysts a few discoveries have been made about my gynecologic health. I've now endured 5 sets of ultrasounds since August 2026 due to adenomyosis and menorrhagia. Early June 2026, I found myself visiting the ER due to the before mentioned diagnosis and my alarmingly high TSH levels (37) colliding. I am scheduled to have a hysterectomy in December 2026. My prayer is that this procedure will resolve not only the gynecologic issues but cure my anemia. At this point, this surgery is definitely life changing but in some ways feels life saving.

During my ER visit in May 2025, it was also discovered that I have severe anemia. This is in large part assumed to be because of my excessive blood loss during my monthly cycles. I had three iron infusions in December 2025. Two more in September 2026 and am scheduled to have three more because my levels are still extremely low. I had no idea how anemia can affect someone. Please take it seriously if you are ever told you are anemic. I have extreme fatigue and weakness which is combined with the same issues I have from the above mentioned hypothyroidism. I feel like a walking disaster.

As you can imagine, the medical bills just keep coming. As a single mom, I am the sole provider for me and my girl. For a while I was fortunate to be able to turn my hobby and love of baking cupcakes into a side hustle to help offset some of these bills. And my friends and family have been so faithful in that support. God has been so good to provide. But I have reached a point that I am struggling to keep up regular, daily activities. Baking dozens of cupcakes a weekend has taken a toll and my body can't keep up. Sometimes making it through an entire work day feels like a huge accomplishment. This is both embarrassing and humbling to be asking for help in such a public way but I am to a point of desperate. I've worked hard to be financially responsible and for the sake of transparency, I've made great strides this year specifically. I'm grateful to not be in a position of housing or food insecurities. My regular bills are paid. This request for help is for the above and beyond the everyday expenses. My medical expenses are far beyond the $3800.00 I'm hoping to raise but it would go so far in helping me stay ahead of the overwhelming medical bills. I've applied for help through the organization I receive most of my care from and was denied. The $3800 would cover my portion of my December 2026 surgery, and hopefully my portion of my iron infusions I have received and am scheduled to receive.

If you've read this far, THANK YOU! If unable to donate, please consider lifting me up in your prayers and or sharing this link. Much love, Melanie