Melissa's Mind Matters - Brain Tumors Suck

Hi, my name is Suzie. I am setting up this GoFundMe for my brother Kevin and sister in law, Melissa Hartzell because Minds Matter! In March of 2022 Melissa suffered a serious heart attack with a 100℅ blockage. Two weeks later she had two more stints put in. On May 3, 2022 my brother took her to the E.R. due to what they thought was a stomach virus that she just couldn't shake. Melissa was feverish, nauseous and so cold she was shaking uncontrollably. When being asked questions by the E.R. staff like "What year is it" our family knew something was seriously wrong when Melissa's answered it was "1979". A Cat Scan showed a spot on the brain so she was transferred to another hospital. After more intensive testing, Melissa was informed that she has a primary brain tumor on the left side, just above & behind the ear. Unfortunately, the hospital here in Arkansas is unable to determind how big it is, how fast it's growing or how deep it is. She was told that she needed surgery to remove it but due to the blood thinners she has to take for her stints she received a month ago, she had to choose between her head or heart. What would you choose? How do you choose? Devastation has hit our entire family like we've never experienced. After several doctors talked to Melissa, she was told they would do the surgery with " what they had to work with." The doctors themselves were not comfortable and unsure of the outcome. She could either bleed out during surgery due to the blood thinners, let the stints dry up or she could just go home and enjoy life. When hearing the statement "what we have to work with," and them honestly showing signs of being uncomfortable and unsure of the outcome. Melissa knew she had to get a second opinion. After shedding many many tears, Melissa found the strength and determination to take matters in her own hands. She wiped her tears and began to call other hospitals that specialize in Brain Tumors. Between doctors and surgeons coming in and out her ICU room, she was on the phone trying to save her own life. Melissa's son and only child (Charles a.k.a Lucas Hartzell) lives in Bakersfield, California. Melissa was able to get herself into UCLA Medical Center which is ranked the 3rd best hospital in the United States. In a matter of hours Melissa had her medical records in hand, an appointment at UCLA and Lucas was driving from California to Arkansas to get her and Kevin. UCLA here they come!!! Lucas has no vacation time, inflation is on the rise and is ridiculous. Melissa has not had any income for 2 months and Kevin has had little to no income due to caring for Melissa and the all the rain we have had. They need help!! The normal bills like groceries and utilities don't stop just because you're sick. Neither Kevin nor Melissa know that I am starting this GoFundMe until it will hit facebook but they need help and they need prayers. I don't care if $5.00 is all you can spare or all you can do is pray. Please find it your heart to do one or both if at all possible. I am hoping raise at least $20,000.00, to help cover traveling expenses, motel expenses, gas expenses and keep utilities on at their home in Arkansas. If you know Kevin or Melissa you know they would give you the shirt off their back, even if it's the only shirt they have. Please help them as they go through this devastating life saving journey!!

If anyone has any information on churches, organizations or any other means of them getting assistance, please please message me via facebook or text. If you are uncomfortable donating via Gofundme, I have PayPal and Cash App. I want to warn you that scammers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible so don't even think about it. This is the only GoFundMe that has been or will set up for them.

Please feel to message either one of them with your thoughts and prayers.

God Bless you all ❤! #mindsmatter #teammelissahartzel #braintumor #uclamedicalcenter