Melanie Willey Fight Ovarian Cancer

Last December, after a year of chronic, severe, and increasing abdominal pain that multiple medical professionals had brushed off as symptoms of GI Issues and menopause, our mom was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. At the time of being diagnosed, she had one large tumor with a substantial blood supply established, as well as speckled cancer throughout her omentum (the omentum is the fatty tissue that starts in your stomach and drapes over your intestines).

She chose a cancer treatment clinic near where our parents are living in Del Rio Texas but despite 7 months of treatment, her cancer has tripled. With this news, she made the decision to go to Hippocrates Comprehensive Cancer Wellness Program in Florida for the next few weeks.

Much of her treatment has not been covered by insurance and my parents have gone through their savings and began taking on debt to try to pay for treatment and related expenses such as travel to treatment.

My mom is a true believer in community, and in taking care of each other. She has a generosity that at times has left the rest of our family shaking our heads. She has been joyously generous with her time, her knowledge, her artistic ability, the joy of her animal menagerie, and her monetary resources, throughout her entire life. The running joke in our family was that none of our mom's business endeavors turned into income because if someone could not afford something she was selling, but she knew it would improve their life, she would flat out give it to them. We did not grow up with financial wealth but whatever we did have was shared with friends and the community openly. She has run depression recovery seminars and therapeutic horseback riding programs. She has given rides (and even once gave a car) to friends and strangers alike. She has cared for countless children and baby animals in need. She has led a life of service in bold and unquantifiable ways which came naturally to her.

At this time our mother, and our father as well for that matter, really need support. Their resources are drying up and with that comes fear and anxiety which is the last thing you need when facing the health battle of your life. It is with humble hearts that we are asking for our community, friends, and possibly even friends of friends, to offer financial support if you can. When people come together small combined contributions can have a life-changing impact.

If you would like to speak with us about other ways to donate or other ways to support Melanie, please contact Rebekah.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support and love for our mother at this time.

With hope and love,

Rebekah, Ethan, and Seth Willey

Photo from Seth's Wedding this past summer. Despite being in a lot of pain mom spent days making all the various signs for the wedding, and then she danced all night!