Support Melissa Schaeffer's Life-Saving Transplant

My name is Saisha Keller, and I’m reaching out during one of the most challenging times of my life. My incredible mother, Melissa Schaeffer, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2023 following a routine colonoscopy after she turned 50 years old. After undergoing surgery to remove the tumor and several rounds of chemotherapy, we believed we were in the clear and celebrating remission.

Unfortunately, our relief was short-lived. We received devastating news: the cancer had spread to my mom’s liver, upgrading her diagnosis to stage 4. A follow-up scan confirmed the extent of the spread, and her doctor gave her a prognosis of just 2 to 3 years to live. As you can imagine, this was absolutely heartbreaking.

Since then, my mom has endured aggressive chemotherapy to stop the cancer from spreading further—and it has been working. Despite the horrendous side effects, she has faced this battle with incredible strength and resilience. Because the cancer has remained localized to her liver, her doctors have determined that she is a good candidate for a life-saving liver transplant.

This transplant is nothing short of a miracle. To add to this miracle, a family member has generously (major understatement) volunteered to be a live donor to her! After speaking with her medical team, we’re hoping to begin the transplant process by late spring or early summer. The procedure will take place at Intermountain Health Hospital in Murray, Utah. However, my mom lives in Helena, Montana, and will be required to stay in Murray for 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery to attend follow-up appointments and monitor her recovery.

While my mom continues to fight with all her strength, the financial burden is overwhelming. Between medical bills and temporary housing, the expenses are daunting. My mom is not the type to ask for help, so I’m asking on her behalf. She is an incredible mother, a devoted grandmother, a beloved sister, and everyone’s favorite friend. She is always the first to lend a helping hand or cook a meal when someone is in need.

Any donation, no matter how big or small, will go directly toward her medical bills and living expenses in Murray, Utah, giving her the care and support she needs to continue this fight.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your generosity and kindness.