Help With Melissa's Medical Expenses

Hi—I'm Richard Friend of The Laurel History Boys. One of our favorite places is the historic Tastee Diner, and whether Kevin Leonard, Pete Lewnes and I meet up for lunch as a group or stop in separately for a quick cup of coffee, we can always count on Melissa Farmer-McDonald to take good care of us. As a longtime waitress, she usually knows what we plan to order even before we know. And it's not just us—if you've been to the diner regularly, you've probably seen how Melissa takes the time to get to know her customers. It's one of many reasons people keep coming back.

But this isn't about the diner. It's about Melissa.

She was the victim of a horrific assault in her home on Friday, July 8th. After being violently kicked and choked, Melissa was transferred from the Laurel emergency room to the University of Maryland Medical Center. She has undergone two emergency surgeries to repair arterial damage and blood clots in her abdomen and neck and now faces significant physical therapy.

How serious was this? According to doctors, Melissa is lucky to be alive. In fact, when her attacker was arrested on July 13th, Laurel Police charged him with four counts—including attempted murder.

Thankfully, the individual who hurt her is off the streets, but Melissa has a long road to recovery. And it's going to be expensive.

While she has never had any trouble supporting herself through her job at the diner, Melissa doesn't have health insurance. And something like this can be devastating on many levels, both physically and financially.

As longtime customers and friends of Melissa, The Laurel History Boys are asking for your help. Please consider donating any amount you can to help Melissa and her family manage medical expenses through this tough time. All funds will go to her mother, (and co-worker at the diner) Joy Farmer. You can also help by sharing this fundraiser far and wide.