My name is Melony Aponte, I’m 25 years old and I am a Chicago-based actor. I graduated from NEIU with my Bachelor’s in May 2024. This was supposed to be my time to work, earn money, and figure out life until I was diagnosed with a rare and large brain tumor. This has prevented me from working and caused me so much health problems. Everyday, it’s hard to find the energy to make a living due to my condition, in addition to having vertigo symptoms, ongoing migraines, hearing loss and really bad panic attacks this tumor has caused me. After my 13 hour brain surgery, I’m doing physical therapy and barely working. Recently, my dog of almost 15 years, Max, has reached chronic kidney failure and has a few months to live according to his vet. The image shown below was the size of my brain tumor which was 4.5cm. Now, there is 1% tumor left with the hopes it doesn’t grow but that’s what I need to keep up with for now.
My goal is $10,000. This can cover any medical bills from leftover copays from my weekly doctor visits, MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, labs, intensive outpatient therapy, medications, hearing aids, monthly bills, and for Max’s hospitalization and starting his IV fluids. Unfortunately, my insurance is not going to cover everything. Personal bills are only increasing. If my goal is reached, it will put me at a very good spot to continue my passions after my recovery and to make Max as comfortable as possible. Thank you in advance and God bless.