My dearest friends, acquaintances, and even those I haven’t yet had the privilege to meet,
I stand before you, not with pride, but with a heart overflowing with humility and a deep, sincere plea. On January 2nd, 2025, at 58 years young, I achieved something I wasn’t sure I’d ever see: a certificate in Data Analytics. This milestone represents more than just a piece of paper; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a beacon of hope flickering against the backdrop of unimaginable challenges.
My journey has been… tumultuous, to say the least. Twice I’ve stared into the abyss while in a coma. I’ve battled Multiple Myoma cancer, a relentless foe. Spinal Bacterial Meningitis threatened to steal not only my health but my very mind. Kidney failure, high blood pressure, and diabetes have all tried to define me, to confine me. But I refuse to be defined by illness. I choose to be defined by hope, by perseverance, and by the unwavering dream that still burns brightly within me.
That dream? To complete the Broadcast Design degree I began on August 18th, 1991. Life, as it often does, intervened. But after all, I’ve endured, after surviving battles that should have broken me, I find myself with just one semester standing between me and that long-held goal.
I know I’m asking for help, and I don’t do so lightly. The medical bills from my numerous health crises have been staggering. I have no family to lean on, no children or wife to share this burden. I face this challenge alone, but I face it with hope.
I’m not asking for a handout. I’m asking for a hand-up. I’m asking for the chance to finally achieve a dream that has sustained me through the darkest of times. Every dollar donated will go directly towards that final semester, towards the culmination of years of struggle and unwavering determination.
More than the degree itself, this is about proving that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, hope can prevail. That the human spirit can endure, that dreams can still come true, no matter how long the road is.
If you can find it in your heart to contribute, even in a small way, you will not only be helping me finish my degree, you will be giving me the gift of hope. You will be a part of something bigger than both of us. You will be a part of a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.
Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for considering my plea. Whether you can contribute financially whatever amount would be acceptable or simply offer your prayers and good wishes, your support means the world to me. Paypal link: paypal.me/melbronstein. Thank you very much.