Support Melina's Fight Against Cancer & College

Hi! My name is Melina. I’m a foster care alumna. I am a Trusted Advisor with Lived Experience for Michigan’s Children’s Services Administration. I love to share my story, especially if it means improving the foster care system. However, foster care is not the hardest thing I have endured.

In 2022, at age 22, I was diagnosed with an endocrine tumor on my appendix, which resulted in colon cancer. Except, that didn’t stop me from writing college papers from a hospital bed. I am now a 4th-year Industrial-Organizational Psychology Major and a certified broke college student, lol.

Yesterday, my laptop decided to go out. In addition, I am currently facing a $3,000 eviction. My court date is on the 24th. With my current landlord, compromise is not an option. Last year, a semi-truck ran me off the road as I was helping out a friend who, ironically, was facing an eviction at that time. The dealership wants an arm and both of my legs, lol.

I am not one to ask for help. Believe it or not, I have gone through and am still going through my cancer journey 100 percent alone. I lost my dad 6 months after reunification and was legally emancipated almost immediately. With that, I am honestly unsure how or who to ask for help. So, I thank God for platforms like these and am very hopeful and optimistic. I try to remain positive during hard times, despite my lack of support.

I actually have a scan today, January 9th, to determine the next steps in my treatment. So, if you are unable to donate, prayers mean just as much. God bless you and thank you in advance!