Support Melissa's Battle with Parkinson's Disease

A year ago in February, Melissa was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 48. This diagnosis turned her world, and her family’s world, completely upside down. Parkinson’s is a central nervous system disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Most days, it’s a struggle for Melissa to even get out of bed. Her medical team is actively trying to figure out an appropriate treatment to manage her day-to-day symptoms, as there is currently no cure. Unfortunately, the disease is progressing faster than anyone would like.

In addition to Parkinson’s, Melissa recently found out at her last neurology appointment that there may be another underlying issue happening. There will be more medical tests to come, many referrals to be made, gas money spent to drive to big Duke from Raleigh, and even more days of missing work. To Melissa, it almost feels insurmountable.

Melissa is taking FMLA time away from work to address these health concerns and has since used all of her paid leave. Her family is currently living off of one income and the medical bills are piling up. When she returns to work, she will not be able to work full-time due to the debilitating symptoms of her Parkinson’s disease.

Melissa falls quite often as a result of her Parkinson’s, and her three-story townhome needs upgrades for easier accessibility and, more importantly, safety, until she and her family are able to buy a new home.

Everyone who knows Melissa, knows how kind, thoughtful, and fiercely loving she is. She’s always the first to offer support to friends and family. It is most important to her that she and her husband, Henry, keep things as normal as possible for their 11-year-old daughter, Hayley. Despite the normalcy, love, and support that Melissa and Henry naturally and unconditionally provide their daughter, Hayley is constantly worrying about her mom falling and getting hurt in the house. No child should ever have to worry about these kinds of things.

Please consider supporting Melissa and her family. It would take a huge weight off of their shoulders and enable them to focus on doctors’ appointments and testing without worrying about medical bills and Melissa being unsafe in their home.

Any donation is appreciated. Cards and well wishes are also welcome and would brighten her day.