Campaign Story

I am Melana, also known as Ms. Lloyd, Mel, T-Lana, Mama Melana, Auntie Melana, Tante Lane and Godmother. By profession, I am a performer, educationalist and educational entrepreneur. I am also a sister, friend, daughter and soon to be mother-by-choice. Unbeknownst to many, this has been a 7 year voyage to this present moment. The way has been filled with incredible triumphs and moire that would make one either cry or simply cringe. I am grateful for all the peaks and valleys as they have led me to this very moment of asking for support from my dearest friends, family and community at large.

What happened seven year ago? A fateful conversation with a drummer after Haitian dance class. He said to me, “You don’t have any kids. You need at least three.” While I would not consider three at the tender age of 35, I would consider one. So I set out to find a suitable partner and get things moving. Five years into that relationship, we found out that not only did I have tumors in my uterus my fallopian tubes were blocked. Screech. As a professional dancer, my body being my instrument, nothing outside of a sprained ankle or pulled muscle had ever been wrong with me. Everything I’ve done since that day has been to confirm that I am healthy and well. Tens of thousands of dollars in visits, treatments, herbs, therapy visits, Accupuncture, island ventures later, I am here. I have accepted that this is my decision alone and I will need the help of my community to make it happen on all fronts. If you don’t already know this is a process that is extremely costly; kin to higher education or starting a business.

I am in a good place. I have accessed my retirement to the point that I feel comfortable. I have maxed out next year’s HSA contribution. I am asking my community for $4000.00 in support. This will ensure that whether I choose adoption, surrogacy or another path, that I will do so with ease. Please consider contributing to this effort directly as a donation through this fundraiser or by donating in my name to The Gift of Parent’s $25K grant. Thank you in advance for your kindness, generosity and moment of your time. All things are possible! And…no matter what transpires, this is going to be FUN!