Mel & Donna Torsiello of Schroon Need our Help!

Hi, My name is Tammy Whitty-Brown, and I have launched this fundraiser (with the knowledge and permission of Donna Torsiello and Pastor Lynette Colden of the Schroon Lake Community Church) to help support two dear and loving people during a very difficult time.

Many of you may know Donna (Mellan) Torsiello from Upstate Insurance Agency, or she may have given you an amazing massage over the years, or you have worked closely with her through her volunteerism throughout our community including with the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce, Schroon Lake Community Church, Adirondack Marathon and so much more.

Donna met the love of her life, Mel Torsiello in 2017. Mel had been in town staying with friends and stopped into the Schroon Lake Community Church for a Sunday Service where Donna got her first glimpse of him. By coincidence, a few days later Mel stopped in to the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce and asked if he could volunteer some time helping with the 4th of July celebration, and was quickly teamed up with Donna. This was officially where they first met, serving our community. They hit it right off, and a few days later spent the day together out on the lake, and the rest is history. In the summer of 2018 they were married at the Schroon Lake Town Park during 4th of July weekend with many folks from our community there to witness their love and commitment to each other and their country (a very patriotic wedding).

Mel quickly became an intricate part of our community, joining Donna and volunteering along side of her and helping assist her with her massage business. He also began working at Schroon Lake Central School, where the kids and staff love to see his smiling face each day. He is an avid runner, and ran the Adirondack Marathon in 2017 and since has volunteered during the event. However, due to recent major heart issues, with two hospitalizations and a stent procedure, he was forced to retire his running shoes and as of yesterday, he is now facing yet another major medical challenge.

Mel began having stability issues over this past week and was brought to the hospital yesterday, September 26th, where they found that he has a tumor on the right side of his brain. He was immediately transferred to Albany Medical Center for more testing and care. As of today, Mel and Donna have met with the doctors and got to see the test results. The tumor is approximately 4cm with swelling that is throwing his brain off center. Due to his being on blood thinners and aspirin from his heart attack, surgery can not be done for at least a minimum of 72 hours for fear of brain bleed. He will continue to stay in Albany Med to be monitored because he has to come off these two meds. Both are what keeps the stent from clotting up and causing more heart issues.

Donna and Mel thank everyone for their continued prayers and feel the love.

This fundraiser is to help support both Donna and Mel as they face extraordinary medical bills (ambulance rides, copays and etc.), travel expenses for Donna to be with him including meals, gas, and hotel stays, and loss of income.

Donna and Mel have spent years supporting their family, friends and our community and I invite everyone to support them as they face this overwhelming medical issue.

Thank you in advance for your support and love for Donna and Mel!

Tammy Whitty-Brown

Ps. I will update this page as Donna and Mel share with me.