All in for the Schwinds

Many of you may already know our dear friend Melissa (Peterson) Schwind, the loving mother of 8-year-old son, Jack and devoted wife of Aaron. She is known in the neighborhood for her grand sidewalk chalk art, the source of the best snacks, the host of campfire and driveway hangouts. She’s everyone's cheerleader always encouraging others with a kind word or big hug. You may also recognize her from Bank Five Nine where she has been a loyal employee for the past eight years. Her generosity and gorgeous smile have improved our lives in countless ways.

Melissa was diagnosed on January 3rd with metastatic melanoma. She has been at home since Christmas, unable to work, drive, or care for Jack. She has undergone CyberKnife (targeted radiation to the numerous masses in her brain) and immunotherapy for the masses throughout her body, but the Schwinds recently learned that Melissa’s cancer has not responded to this treatment.

Her next round of treatment will take her further from home, to the Carbone Cancer Center at UW-Madison, and will include a combination of oral medications and clinical trial radiation. Melissa and Aaron do not know yet what insurance will cover, but we know these treatments will cost significantly more than the first round of treatment. Aaron is able to care for her for now, but soon he’ll need to return to work as a contractor and will need to pay for assistance caring for Melissa and Jack.

We are asking our community to join us in raising money for travel and medical costs for this beloved local family. Melissa’s ideal goal is a cure, but a realistic goal would be to manage her symptoms and prolong her life. Melissa would love to have as much time as possible to gather friends and family and watch Jack play as many baseball games as she can.