Melissa Cancer Journey and Fight

This is a fundraiser to help our friend and neighbor on her journey to fight a rare cancer. Her treatments are taking a toll on her financially. She is needing a lot more help as she continues her journey.

You may already know Melissa and her story, but if you don't, Melissa is a 35-year-old loving wife and a doting mother of three beautiful young children. Life was filled with joy and laughter until one February day when the unthinkable happened - Melissa was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive stage 4 gallbladder cancer.

This devastating news shook their entire world. Melissa and her family were determined to fight this battle with all their might. She underwent two surgeries, both of which turned out to be unsuccessful, leaving her with emotional trauma and a feeling of hopelessness. The doctors in Knoxville couldn't offer the specialized care she needed, so Melissa and her family embarked on a journey to find the best cancer facility in the country.

Their search led them to MD Anderson, a renowned cancer center in Texas. There, they found a brilliant doctor who specialized in Melissa's rare cancer. It was a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness they had been living in. From that moment forward, Melissa's focus shifted to her healing journey.

Life took on a different meaning for Melissa and her family. They embraced significant lifestyle changes. An organic diet became the norm, along with a plethora of supplements and regular juicing sessions. They are also working on emotional and physical healing, recognizing the importance of taking care of the mind and spirit in addition to the body.

Every three months, Melissa and her family travel back to Texas for scans and tests, meeting with her doctor at MD Anderson. The trips are painstaking, but they offer reassurance that they are on the right path. In addition to their visits to Texas, Melissa receives immunotherapy transfusions every three weeks at the local cancer center in Knoxville. It's a rigorous schedule, but they are persevering.

Throughout this trying journey, Melissa's family and friends stand by her side, supporting her every step of the way. Their love, encouragement, and unwavering strength lift her spirit and give her the will to keep fighting. Together, they are facing both the physical and financial challenges that came with Melissa's rare illness.

Living on a single income is becoming increasingly difficult, with medical expenses piling up and the cost of travel adding to the burden. However, Melissa is convinced that there is a higher purpose behind her struggles. She believes that God has a hand in all of it, guiding her towards healing and helping them find a way through this storm.

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, Melissa is holding onto her faith and hope. She continues to devote herself to her children, cherishing every moment spent with them. She is finding solace in the support of her loved ones and the strength that has emerged from within her own spirit.

One day, not too far in the future, Melissa envisions a slowdown in this journey. She pictures herself being healed, their travels becoming less frequent, and life regaining some sense of normalcy. With an unyielding determination to overcome this rare gallbladder cancer and a deep belief in a brighter future, Melissa is pressing on, fighting for her life and the love she holds dear.

And so, Melissa's journey continues, filled with hope, love, and the unshakable belief that one day soon, she will triumph over this cancer, allowing her family to breathe a sigh of relief and find peace once again.

Additionally, her most recent scan has shown that her treatments are working effectively. The cancer has decreased in size, indicating that the treatment is having a positive effect. However, she is by no means out of the woods, she needs more help, and cancer likes stress. Melissa is becoming increasingly stressed trying to navigate this journey.

Anything helps !

All money gets transferred directly to Melissa.