Overview on what happened from Melvin: 
Hello everyone! Rhonda had a heart attack on 12/30/24. Let me start by saying we did not know that’s what was happening on that day. She initially had a headache and thought she was exhausted from work. She kept complaining about the headache, and I took her blood pressure which was high. This next part never, ever, do when you have high blood pressure. Rhonda drank some lemon water and went to sleep (thankfully she woke up the next morning). Her blood pressure was still high so off to the urgent care we went. They did a visual exam and recommended Rhonda go to the ER (I still have some issues with this part). After being admitted at Memorial Hermann satellite ER, and running test, they informed Rhonda she was having a heart attack. We both were in shock and scared. Later that evening she was transported to the Memorial Hermann Northeast hospital and was under excellent care for nine days while waiting for a room to prep for surgery (thank you team at Memorial Hermann Northeast). 

A room finally became available on 1/8/24 and she was transported to Memorial Hermann Memorial City to prepare for the surgery. After being admitted we were informed Rhonda would have surgery the next day at 9am on 1/9/24. We asked the team about the surgeon that would be doing her surgery. They informed us a new surgeon was assigned to her case. We were surprised, scared and angry because we had done research on the original surgeon. I jumped on Google and started researching the new surgeon. The morning of the 1/9/24, we met the new surgical team and prayed they knew what they were doing. In the surgery information meeting it was discussed that her surgery might be a bypass or double bypass. Her surgeon mentioned he wouldn’t know for sure until he looked inside. After the surgery Dr. Michael Macris (THE BEST CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEON!!!) informed me, he had to do a quintuple bypass (5 arteries). Yes, you read that right 5 arteries. I am so thankful he was her surgeon (The man upstairs knew what he was doing taking nine days and providing the new surgeon). She is now out of ICU and starting recovery at the hospital.

Those who know Rhonda, worked with her or had the pleasure of talking with her. Know she is a fighter and if you tell her she can’t do something she is going to prove you wrong. She is a proud and stubborn lady but that’s what makes my wife so special (and not just mentally 😉). As we prepare for her to be discharged (hopefully soon) she will need specialized care and she has a long hard recovery in front of her, but we know she can do it!

Corliss Outley: I know after reading this everyone wants to express their concern for Rhonda and assist the family by immediately contacting them. Please be aware that Melvin has been trying to update everyone through text. Please be patient and understand if he missed anyone or if there is a delay in his reply. Give all of them grace during this time. Melvin will be providing updates through the giveinkind website to make it easier.

You also may not know this, but Melvin’s mom, Emelda, lives with them and she has dementia and is also under long-term care. This means that the entire household has been impacted in many different ways, so please keep the entire family in your prayer’s. I appreciate any help that anyone can provide to our friends, our family!

The Mays family—Melvin, Rhonda, Keyanna, Kamaran, and Emelda would like to “THANK YOU” for taking the time to read this and providing any support that you can.

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Rhonda Mays

Supporting Rhonda and the Mays Family

The digital Visa gift card is another convenient option for supporting someone when they need it most. It allows the recipient to select their own essentials or gifts from a wide range of merchants. The card will be emailed to your recipient’s inbox and is for online or by phone use only. It’s a thoughtful way to show your support and let them know you’re there for them.
Why we love this gift: 
With ever-changing needs, this gift allows your loved one to purchase whatever they need, whenever they need it. The digital Visa gift card is a fast, easy way to put funds in your recipient’s hands. This gift card is all about giving them that flexibility and peace of mind.

Looking for a memorable gift that adapts to any situation?
The physical Visa gift card combines the practicality of a Visa credit card—usable both in-store and online—and the thoughtfulness of a greeting card. For just $5.95 and the cost of your chosen shipping method, we will print your custom Give InKind Visa gift card and personalized greeting card, and send directly to your loved one. The versatility and personal touch of this gift makes it no surprise this is our most gifted card.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-235811 size-full" style="margin: 0 auto;" src="https://cms.giveinkind.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GreetingCard-getWell.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="386" />
Why we love this gift:
<ul>
<li>Versatility: Needs can change quickly in challenging times. This all-purpose gift card allows your loved one to purchase precisely what they need, when they need it. Be it a comforting meal, a therapy session, spa treatment, fuel, diapers, or countless other possibilities. No questions asked.</li>
<li>Personalization: Add a heartfelt message to both the gift card itself and the greeting card. Pick your favorite among the many available greeting card designs to give your gift a personal touch. And for those urgent moments, you can always choose to have your gift shipped overnight.</li>
<li>Show you care: It’s the perfect way of letting a recipient know you are thinking of them, no matter how far away they may be. Whether it’s sending love after the birth of a new baby, some healthy vibes with a Get Well card, or even a simple ‘Thinking of You’ your gift can truly make a difference for a friend going through some intense times.</li>
</ul>

The Give InKind Custom Visa card is the perfect way to show your support during challenging times, or anytime you want to show you care. Whether you're sending love after the birth of a new baby, or sending good vibes during a difficult period, the Give InKind Custom Visa card is the perfect way to show your support.
This card is available with an optional greeting card, so you can add a personal touch to your gesture. And for those urgent moments, you can always choose to have your card shipped overnight.
The Give InKind Custom Visa card is more than just a card. It's a way to make a difference in the lives of those you love, and give them the support they need. Show your support today with the Give InKind Custom Visa card.
Additional charges will apply at checkout depending on delivery preferences. There are no additional charges for any digital cards sent via email.

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Panera Bread is committed to providing great-tasting, quality food that people can trust.
Highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients, and a menu free of man-made trans-fat, Panera is committed to providing great tasting quality food people can trust.
With a wide variety of year-round favorites, their menu is complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the country, guests are enjoying Panera's warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free Wi-Fi access.
Why We Love This Gift: We like convenient, comfortable, and quality chain restaurant food. You know who else might like it? Anyone who has reason to spend time with a sick relative in a hospital. Chain restaurants can provide a valuable change of scene and a little headspace.
What To Express In Your Card: Please stop for a minute and eat something. Let's catch up soon? I love and miss you.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread is committed to providing great-tasting, quality food that people can trust.

Target

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With your favorite restaurants at your fingertips, DoorDash satisfies your cravings and connects you with possibilities -- more time and energy for yourself and those you love.
Why We Love This Gift: In every situation, food is necessary. Let your recipient select exactly what they want to eat - and have it delivered. Win and Win.
What To Express in Your Card: I am thinking of you and I want you to eat something that appeals to you. You choose. xo

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What is the best gift anytime? A Target eGift Card. With no fees and no expiration dates, the real question is: who couldn't use a gift card from Target?
Why We Love This Gift: Whether as a baby gift or to replenish supplies around the house, to cheer up a sick kid, or help someone with prescription costs, you can almost always find exactly what you need at Target. We love this gift because it enables your recipient with endless options and the ability to purchase precisely what they need - no questions asked.
What To Say In Your Card: I thought this might come in handy. I am sending you so much love!

Target - Target Gift Card

Give the gift of take-out. Seriously, the perfect gift for any situation.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it is take-out and everyone loves take-out. It gives your recipient the flexibility to order exactly what they want, when they want it. Pregnancy cravings are no joke. Neither is the stress level of a single parent on a school night. Young professionals who get sick often hate the loss of their own agency. The capacity to choose one's own dinner is not to be underestimated. Nothing says I love you like Pad Thai.
What To Express in Your Card: I wanted you to be able to choose your own meal. I am thinking of you!

Grubhub

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This e-gift card allows access to all Walmart products. Useful for anyone anywhere.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it offers access to things like pharmacies when a family you love is in need. Many aspects of surgical care are not covered by insurance - these expenses can add up. This is especially true when a family is on a fixed income. Items like canes, walkers, surgical gauze, and more - can all be underwritten in this way. (Bonus: It respects, as well, the privacy and dignity of the person you love). Supplements that are doctor recommended (always check) can also be covered in this manner. Walmart also just has everything so for someone who has lost their job it enables them to get what they need without spelling it all out. People are proud.
What To Express in Your Card: You'd do exactly the same. xo

Walmart

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Chipotle offers a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere.
Through their vision of Food With Integrity, Chipotle is seeking better food from using ingredients that are not only fresh, but that - where possible - are sustainably grown and raised responsibly with respect for the animals, the land, and the farmers who produce the food. And...delicious too!
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because Chipotle offers a clean and affordable fast food alternative. This is a great gift for anyone - who doesn't love Chipotle?
What To Express In Your Card: I miss you! Grab a meal. Sending you love.

Chipotle

Chipotle offers a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere.

Chipotle - Chipotle Gift Card

Amazon gift cards never expire and they carry no fees. Redeemable towards millions of items at Amazon.com and also certain affiliated websites. Deliverable electronically and instantly.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it's appropriate for any situation. Let your recipient choose just what they need, when they need it... with ease, convenience, and endless options.
What To Express In Your Card: I'm sending you my love.

Amazon.com

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Give InKind

General Support

Setting up a food train is one of the best ways to help support someone you love. Here are some tips on how to give groceries as a gift.

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train - Give InKind

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Helping loved ones recover after surgery is difficult. Visit Give InKind for concrete suggestions and a new way to schedule meals and support to those in need of help.

How To Support Loved Ones Post-Op

Post op recovery is difficult. Visit Give InKind for specific suggestions and a new way to schedule meals and assistance in times of need.

Author Pamela Stockwell, photographed by daughter Kiana Stockwell

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Pamela Stockwell

Author Pamela Stockwell shares her experience becoming a living organ donor for a fellow writer, whom she's never even met in-person!

"My Kidney's Going to California!" A Living Organ Donor Story

One year ago this month, in March 2021, my daughter and I drove to South Carolina to see my dad. At one point, she was driving, so I checked Facebook to while away the time and I see that my friend and fellow writer Kelly Hartog had posted a plea for a kidney. I knew [&hellip;]

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