Breast Cancer - Melisa's Journey

With a grandmother, a mother, and a friend diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 5 years, the Palacios family has had a strong and compassionate hand in the fight against this devastating illness.  They have participated in Relay for Life, and have created and sold  t-shirts and hoodies for the cause, donating up to $1,500 each of the last 5 years to the Wheaton Franciscan Foundation and the HOPE fund (a fund to help cancer patients with everyday expenses).  Now Carey and Melisa and their 6 children - Jalina (20), Raelea (17), Cayven (15), Melanie (14), Ellarae (11), and Quillen (6) are facing the biggest fight of their lives.  Melisa, 37 years old, has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer - bilateral invasive ductal carcinoma.
Melisa is a fun, strong willed, giving and loving wife, mother, daughter and friend to all.  She gives so much to so many.  Her family, her husband and her children are the priority in her life.  As  a NICU nurse she cares for the tiniest, most fragile and sickest of babies, dedicating herself to them and their parents.  She is always there for her friends - whether a shoulder to cry on or happiness to celebrate.  Unselfishly, Melisa puts others before herself.  She is a funny, vibrant, and outgoing person that everyone wants to be around.

When Melisa's mother started her fight against breast cancer last September, Melisa was there with her every step of the way - through 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 32 radiation treatments, and a unilateral mastectomy.  Her undying love and commitment has contributed to her mother's clean bill of health.  In this strange twist of fate, it is now Melisa's turn.  She is fighting through 6 rounds of chemotherapy which will be followed by a bilateral mastectomy.  Radiation may follow with continued chemotherapy treatments for at least the next year.  During this time, her family will be facing financial struggles - medical bills, loss of wages, everyday living expenses.  It is now our turn to be there for Melisa - to fight for her, pray for her, and give back to her the love she has given to so many others.  Her friends have set up this account to assist the family financially through Melisa's journey.  "We Got This" Palacios family!  Please consider donating and sharing this message with others on FB.  Thank you so much.