Support Sisters Melissa and Vanessa Fight Against Cancer

Update 2025-01-05

Melissa was hospitalized on December 31st, once again. The past couple of days have been very rough. Melissa’s breathing is getting worse and couldn't sleep all night. She's finally able to rest this morning after they rushed a procedure to remove the liquid in her lungs as she barely has any room to breathe and was getting very confused and desoriented.

The picture below is a scan of her lungs. The part that is circled in red, is the space she has left to breathe.

Her oncologist says that chemo is not a good idea given her current state because her body would not be able to handle it. My cousin Vanessa is her primary care giver but, unfortunately, she has to come back to Canada to work to be able to support herself and her son. Unless, we are able to collect enough funds for her to stay by her sister’s side a little longer.

We are still very hopeful that we can find an alternative treatment that could help Melissa and be less harmful. However, those treatments are very expensive and 30k would only be for the beginning of the treatment. The funds collected would mainly be for the treatment and to help with expenses in case Vanessa cannot leave her side.

From my family and i, we appreciate all the help. If you cannot make a donation please share the link.

Thank you again to all who have donated or shared the link. We are very grateful for your support.

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Hello, my name is Anita, and I’m reaching out with heavy hearts that my dear cousins, Melissa and Vanessa, have both been diagnosed with cancer. As sisters facing this battle together, they need our love and support now more than ever.

Melissa, a 36-year-old mother of two, was first diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in 2020. Despite her incredible strength, the cancer spread to her brain in April 2024, and has now mutated to stage 4. She has always put others before herself, and now it’s our turn to rally around her.

Vanessa, 31, a mother of one, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. After undergoing a mastectomy in 2023, she thought she was on the mend, but in August 2024, the cancer returned. Both women have shown incredible courage, but they now need our help more than ever.

The funds raised will go directly to their medical expenses—treatments, procedures, and ongoing care—and to provide financial relief for their families, who are doing everything they can to support them during this tough time. Your support will also help with everyday bills and living expenses, so they can focus on healing.

No contribution is too small—every donation makes a difference in their fight. We also ask for your prayers, words of encouragement, and help in spreading the word.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness and support. Your love means the world to Melissa and Vanessa as they face this difficult road ahead.

With gratitude,

Anita Ortiz & Family