In Remembrance of Melissa Brogan-Patton

Hello everyone. My name is Rachel and I am fundraising on behalf of the Brogan-Patton family in remembrance of our beloved Melissa. Ugh, where do I begin? Melissa was known as the shining light and positive role model and mentor for so many. She was a Speech Language Pathologist for the Worcester Public Schools for nine years. Her passion, knowledge, connections, and support provided to her students, families, and colleagues were admired by many. Melissa always had a smile on her face, was constantly positive, and was willing to help out anyone of us when in need.

Over the years, Melissa always talked about how much she yearned to be called a wife and mom. In December 2019, Melissa and her partner Ken decided to become foster parents. Two months later, little Alex and Anthony were immediately welcomed into Melissa and Ken's home. Unfortunately, due to the Covid pandemic, the foster parent process took longer expected.

On New Year's Eve 2020, Ken asked Melissa to be his wife and they were also approved to become Alex and Anthony's adoptive parents. Finally, on August 6, 2021, Melissa and Ken were married with Alex and Anthony standing by them at the ceremony. Life was on the right track as Melissa became a wife, a Mom, and a new homeowner right before her 40th birthday.

On March 1, 2022, Melissa received heartbreaking news of having Stage 4 Cancer located within her liver, ovaries, stomach, and GI tract. Throughout the next 15 months, Melissa pushed through and shared her experiences during the countless chemo treatments. No matter how much pain Melissa was in, she never hesitated to help and support her friends and family. She always had a smile on her face and the best eye roll when annoyed.

Melissa was determined to fight the fight and continued to share her chemo journey. The amount of laughter, tears, anger, compassion, bravery, and frustration Melissa expressed didn't go unnoticed, yet the support and love she gave and had for others never faded away.

In June 2022, Melissa and Ken finalized the adoption process and Alex and Anthony were officially a part of the family. The cancer fight wasn't going to get in Melissa's way from becoming a Mom no matter how hard the struggle became.

On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, while surrounded by her family, Melissa gained her wings and left a hole in all of our hearts. She is no longer suffering and her presence will always be felt.

As we all know, the astronomical costs of losing a loved one, while raising two growing boys can be overwhelming. I am hoping this contribution will assist the family in helping the boys settle into their new school, along with any extracurricular activities costs and financial barriers that may arise in the future. Any amount donated will be much appreciated. Thank you.

The love Ken and Melissa shared always brought a smile to many of our faces. As described in the following message written by Ken:

"I’m literally losing my other half. I’m at a complete loss for words. My heart hurts with every passing second. I’m doing my best to keep it together, and man is it hard. She came into my life from nowhere. Swooped in and swept me right off my feet. She has this special gift of getting the absolute best out of me. When we first met, the world was ours. We were the storybook couple. We built such an amazing relationship, and it was built on nothing but love, hopes, and dreams. We had everything we ever wanted. The only thing missing was children. We were fortunate enough to be able to adopt two absolutely beautiful, wonderful children. Although extremely challenging at times, she loved them both so very very much. They brought joy and happiness to our family. (Ok, sorry. Just to be true. A lot of stress and anxiety) but what children don’t? Through all the rough times. The last thing she would always say to me was, “We’re so lucky to have these boys in our lives”. She loves them so so much. She sees the potential in both of them. She knew they were going to grow up into great people. I’m going to continue to love her until my very last breath. She is my one, my one and only true love. It wasn’t supposed to end this way. Melissa, my dearest beautiful wife. I love you, I love you Infinity X Infinity squared ❤️❤️. You’re my one ❤️, my one and only true love"