Melissa Churchill's Cancer Support Fund

My name is Kaitlyn Churchill and I am raising funds for my amazing in-laws. Some may not know, but nearly 2 years ago, Brandon's dad Dell Churchill was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer known as renal cell carcinoma. His entire kidney was removed, leaving him with 1, and he now has every 6 month follow ups to monitor for reoccurrence. After Melissa had a recent abnormal eye exam in December, she ended up seeing multiple specialists at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. After multiple exams, ultrasounds, CT exams, and Bone density scans over the past few weeks, Melissa, just 54 years, was diagnosed with choroidal melanoma, a incidence rate of 5 in 1 million people.

At this time we are thankful that the cancer has not metastasized, but are continuing forward with a plan of care to act fast. Choroidal melanoma is a fast growing and aggressive cancer. The current plan of action is plaque radiotherapy at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Melissa will be required to make multiple trips to Rochester, many overnight stays (including 1 week during when the plaque is placed), while missing work and still trying to afford monthly bills. The plaque radiotherapy is an aggressive radiation and comes with the risks of blindness in the eye likely within 1-5 years, infection, hemorrhage, glaucoma, and possible need to remove the eye fully if not successful or there are complications. Scans will be repeated in 3-4 months to monitor any movement of the melanoma.

There is also evidence that this type of cancer is genetic and derived from abnormalities on chromosomes 3, 6, and 8. A fine needle biopsy will be taken of the sample during placement of the plaque radiotherapy to test. We have been advised these genetic tests are usually not covered under insurance and are approximately $5,000 to run.

If this news was bad enough, Melissa and Dell's out of pocket max on their insurance is nearly $15,000. With both of their diagnosis of cancer and multiple follow up's in Rochester, they need all the help they can get. ANY help, no matter how small, is truly appreciated. If everyone rallied together to even donate $1.00 towards her cause this would help Melissa and Dell extremely. This fundraiser will help Melissa with her prescriptions, radiation treatments, medical bills, food, cost of living, hotels needed in Rochester when she is staying weeks on end, etc. I ask from the bottom of my heart that you donate to these people who have been my second set of parents and would give anything to help anyone.