Melissa’s Fight Against Cancer

Thank you to everyone for your outpouring of love and support as we grieve Melissa's passing. Donations to help the family during this time are appreciated via this GoFundMe page. A portion of funds raised will support the operations of the Melissa & Jimmy Boratyn Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering those impacted by breast cancer through the art of cinema. If you want to know a little more about Melissa’s story, please continue reading:

My sister-in-law, Melissa, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer when she was just 23 years old. After undergoing a painful year of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical treatment, she thought the worst of her cancer experience was behind her. Flash forward two years later, when at age 25, Melissa's cancer returned. She then opted for a double mastectomy, a heartbreakingly severe and invasive procedure, but one that Melissa thought would ensure that the cancer was finally gone for good. In 2016, at age 27, Melissa was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. The disease had spread to multiple organs, and the condition is terminal: there is no cure.

For almost a decade, Melissa waged war against this horrible disease. She underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, liver ablations, and many other grueling treatments. She had also been thriving in spite of her disease: running a small multimedia production company with her husband, Jimmy; spending quality time with her family, friends, and two cats; and even making a feature film, "Ginger," which is based on her cancer battle and aims to help others who are facing the terrifying uncertainties that come along with such a diagnosis. 

In June 2019, Melissa's oncology team informed her that chemotherapy was no longer an effective treatment option. By June 2020, after exploring every possible trial, Melissa was told she was out of options. She passed away on June 21 surrounded by family.

Please consider donating in Melissa’s honor and helping to continue her legacy. Her memory and work will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew and loved her.