Hello, for those who may not have met me before- My name is Melaina, I am 31, born and raised in Colorado. Sadly, this last year and a half have been the most difficult, by far for myself and my family!! We will forever be broken after losing our sister, daughter, best friend, gorgeous soul Jade!! Even so, I have learned to cherish my sister, family and loved ones that I still have physically here, and I have grown to understand JADE is always with us, going wherever I go! She shows me! 

A lot of my recent growth is due to the fact that my dream vacation finally happened this year! I had the amazing opportunity to go with my beautiful cousin out to The Big Island, Hawaii! My beauty has escaped out there after not knowing how else to heal! While I was there- I did a lot of healing myself. It's hard to stay upset while sitting at the edge of an Island watching the waves crashing along the shore! I have a sticker- "surrounding yourself with molten lava reminds you to stay calm and centered." It is very true. Yes I still struggle and I'm pretty sure I always will, but I changed my goals while out there! I WANT TO LIVE IN PARADISE!!

Unfortunately, I have never had the chance to make progress towards getting my own home due to the debt of my student loans! I have been to college 3 times. I am super passionate about helping people and animals! I graduated high school in 2010. In 2011 I graduated from Pima Medical Institute with my Veterinary Assistant Certification. In 2016 I started a Registered Nursing program with CO Christian University- but after 7 long months I had only done online classes and was struggling with the additional books, kits and supplies needed. I was left with no choice but to discontinue with that program. In 2017 I started again with a slightly different path in the Medical Specialties Program at CollegeAmerica. I graduated in 2019 with my Associates in Occupational Studies! Able to work as Medical Assistant, phlebotomist, pharmacy tech, medical coding/billing, CNA. Mind you, I stayed working full time this entire time, but it still unfortunately added $60,000 to my debt!!

A house has been on the top of my priority list for as long as I can remember. The properties in CO are quite ridiculous to say the least. Even applying for apartments, I would get denied because of how highly priced everything is. So, I had to put that goal on the back burner and focus on surviving for a while. In the meantime, I have enjoyed working as a Vet Assistant, followed by 10 years of doing Caregiving/ QMAP (Medication administration) and 3 years as a Medical Assistant! Having had a difficult year I regrettably lost my last job in March. I strive to stay positive and I realized it was a blessing in disguise! Enter- my opportunity to break free from all my stress and problems and sadness here at home. Off I went to Hawaii thanks to my momma, sissy, papa and cousin supporting me in all ways!

I was beyond blessed to spend 6 weeks out in Hilo, Keaau, Pahoa, Seaview, Kona; all over the big Island, Hawaii! I fell in love with the beach, the ocean, the saltwater in the air, the rain and wind, the frogs singing all evening, the dark streets- and ALL THE STARS that you can see at night because of it! The superfoods, fresh fish, fresh produce, fruits, plants, trees, oh man I can go on and on!! I was just thriving out there in the beautiful environment, the vibe is so much higher than I had experienced before!

Well eventually, I did have to come back home! I have been daydreaming about several properties in Hawaii since & I have found a few I want! That being said- A move to Hawaii includes an abundance of planning, packing, cleaning, working; A great deal of money and time! I am willing to put in all my energy, effort and work to do it! If I have to buy a home anyway- why not let it be in Paradise with my Peachie pup right next to me!? Right!?

I am aiming to fundraise for fully relocating to Hawaii! I have to get my vehicle shipped over, my dog flown in cargo, the items I am keeping need to be packed and shipped down from the mainland. I also want to put a down payment on a house! Since my cousin is sick I want to get out there ASAP so that I can help her! I also have a couple Medical Assistant job opportunities set up and am already interviewing for them! I will be selling what I can of what I have here now because I won't need sweats, hoodies, coats or winter attire! Amongst many of the extra things I've got- I honestly only need some swimsuits, dresses, shorts and scrubs for work! 

For a $300,000 home I would like to have at least 3% to put down meaning my goal is $10,000 for that. To get everything shipped, fees and other unexpected charges it can take about $20 Grand!! This is because everything goes separately, the car ~$3,000, the shipments 4-10K, and the pup! Let's say there are plenty of steps, policies & procedures to follow for her getting out there, and that includes a few vet trips as well! Those are the total opposite of cheap!

I am asking anyone kind and willing to help, my friends, family and loved ones to please help me raise this money! So I can get my life headed in a better path, finally get my OWN home, get my baby out there to live in Paradise alongside me, and get to my cousin to help her! The homes I have narrowed down to have .5-1 acre of land! My future goal is to clear the land and build my momma a tiny home, and hopefully my sissy can come vacation out there in the future! I have been fortunate to see several of my peers, friends, and family move to other states for a fresh start and they are living their lives to the fullest! I have learned- life is too short to be unhappy, and nothing changes without the push towards your goals!