Prayers, Love, and Healing For Melisa

Written with love by cousin Patrice Mitchell and Sister Friend Pricilla Monroe

My name is Melisa. I am a 49-year-old single mother of two autistic sons, Evan and Gavin. On October 19th, what I thought would be the typical day in the life of a working mom changed drastically; in the blink of an eye, I started to feel like something wasn’t right. I became ill and had to be rushed to Forsyth Medical Hospital. I was admitted to the hospital for heavy bleeding. On Monday, I was diagnosed with stage one colon cancer. Mind you, I never had any symptoms before this episode of bleeding. It has spread to the lymph nodes under my armpits, meaning I may also be battling breast Cancer. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, which is a condition that causes lumps or nodules (granulomas) to form in my lungs; this will increase my chance of getting an infection as I go through this process. I recently started a new job as a social worker and have not completed one year of service; this prevents me from earning FMLA, leaving me with no income to take care of myself and my Sons.

Things are scary right now; my medical bills are around $9,000, medical and living expenses continue to build up, and I can’t work, and not sure when I will be able to return to work. Since announcing my diagnosis, I have been overwhelmed with the kind wishes and advice. And I thank you all for your encouraging words.

Any little bit would help, as Melisa has a long road of recovery ahead. Prayers are also welcomed!! Melisa is a light in our family and one of the most intelligent, amazing young women I know. To know her is to love her.