My name is Michele, and I’ve been a Patrol Officer in Boston for about fifteen years.

Before that, I served as a first responder in another state for over fifteen years. I was also married to a State Trooper, and throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to protecting and serving others.

After years of struggle, working in three states to establish my residency here and move forward, starting my life from scratch in the state of Massachusetts, where I have been on the front lines for more than a dozen years now.

I finally found a good place these last few years, both health-wise and financially. I finally had my alpha- and beta-thalassemia under control. After many years of chemotherapy and ferritin treatments to get my red blood cells rebuilt again.

I had already signed a contract with a media company to bring my stories to the screen, and my first book in the series has been published. I was recently recognized on the 2026 Influential Women list for my article.

I don’t have time for a social life; I don’t drink, gamble, or spend frivolously. I work, go to church, the gym, and spend my free time with my dog.

Three years ago, I was injured in a shooting while on duty. I was running to protect community children from what turned out to be over 27 flying bullets. As I ran, I fell off a curb, sprained my ankle, twisted my back, and one of the bullets went under my arm, punctured through my coat, and left a burn mark. Thankfully, my vest and the cruiser I bounced off of saved my life that day.

I have almost twelve spots on my spine pressing and cutting off blood supply, which is NOT good. I am steps away from Surgery. Obviously, workers' comp would take care of it; however, I have now had to give up my own health insurance because I could no longer afford it.

I’ve spent the past two years doing everything asked of me and going through all the motions to try and heal, plus keep working. This is particularly important because my lifelong condition, Thalassemia, is now compromised by this injury.

My recent MRI request from my orthopedic doctor was denied, which was necessary to re-assess the condition of my back. I had to find a new doctor because my Thalassemia symptoms returned and my back problems worsened. I had over a dozen X-rays taken, and it appears that several discs are pressing on nerves and cutting off blood supply. This explains my additional symptoms. The reduced blood supply is affecting my Thalassemia and Raynaud’s disease.

Since my symptoms returned, I need to see my hemato/oncologist, but I haven’t been able to make an appointment because I don’t have insurance. This is a costly treatment.

I’m exhausted, worn out, and terrified of losing everything I’ve worked so hard to rebuild—especially the prospect of earning a stable income through my writing and media projects in the future. Those are my retirement. I’ve dedicated decades to serving my community, and now I humbly request your assistance. This situation is draining me, not just financially but mentally as well. I don’t have the strength to endure this level of stress and pain again. I fear getting so Ill again that I can not function.

Your support would be invaluable in helping me cover essential living expenses and medical and dental costs that aren’t covered. It would also allow me to continue any additional treatment and safeguard the future I’ve been diligently working towards. Every donation, regardless of its size, would mean the world to me.

I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read my story and considering a donation to this “Mother in Blue.”

May you be blessed and stay well.