A Sense of Tumor: A Fundraiser for Melissa
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Haaaave you met Melissa? Melissa is an amazing and hilarious woman who loves a good chat, tarot readings, and spending time with her friends and her dog Keato Mojito Cheeto Burrito.
In October 2019, Melissa decided to make some changes. She decided to leave a job that was causing her anguish, confusion, and pain to begin a brave new adventure owning her own business. She decided to move into her first apartment—a place to call her very own. And she decided to try her hand and humor at stand up. Her friends have been been thrilled to watch her make these choices that have shaped her happiness, strength, and independence the last few months.
But a few weeks ago, a change happened that Melissa had not planned. In February 2020, an MRI showed an 8cm intradural tumor along Melissa’s spinal cord, known as Ependymoma . This tumor, if left untreated, leads to paralysis. A neurosurgeon informed her that a high-risk surgery is her only option.
Her surgery is scheduled for March 2, 2020.
The tumor can't be diagnosed until she is in surgery. If the tumor is benign, the surgeon will do his best to remove as much as he can. Because the tumor is within the spinal cord, this is incredibly invasive, along with carrying the risk of paralysis. If the tumor is malignant, a portion will be removed and plans for radiation will be scheduled after surgery.
Melissa likes this neurosurgeon and trusts him to take on this risky journey ahead with her. But this surgeon is a specialist, and, as you may have guessed, specialists come with a special price. In addition to her health status, Melissa has now added worrying about the cost of appointments, several MRIs, surgery, and recovery to her to-do list. When you combine this with her recent job venture, she has no PTO or disability pay to assist her with living expenses and will be unable to work during recovery.
We'd like to help Melissa by easing her anxiety so she can focus on healing, rather than financial strain. Please leave some positivity and any donation amount you are able. And if you think you're funny, definitely leave a joke for her to read.
And, to quote Melissa, "I can't be the next Amy Schumer with this bummer of a tumor." #TumorHumor
In October 2019, Melissa decided to make some changes. She decided to leave a job that was causing her anguish, confusion, and pain to begin a brave new adventure owning her own business. She decided to move into her first apartment—a place to call her very own. And she decided to try her hand and humor at stand up. Her friends have been been thrilled to watch her make these choices that have shaped her happiness, strength, and independence the last few months.
But a few weeks ago, a change happened that Melissa had not planned. In February 2020, an MRI showed an 8cm intradural tumor along Melissa’s spinal cord, known as Ependymoma . This tumor, if left untreated, leads to paralysis. A neurosurgeon informed her that a high-risk surgery is her only option.
Her surgery is scheduled for March 2, 2020.
The tumor can't be diagnosed until she is in surgery. If the tumor is benign, the surgeon will do his best to remove as much as he can. Because the tumor is within the spinal cord, this is incredibly invasive, along with carrying the risk of paralysis. If the tumor is malignant, a portion will be removed and plans for radiation will be scheduled after surgery.
Melissa likes this neurosurgeon and trusts him to take on this risky journey ahead with her. But this surgeon is a specialist, and, as you may have guessed, specialists come with a special price. In addition to her health status, Melissa has now added worrying about the cost of appointments, several MRIs, surgery, and recovery to her to-do list. When you combine this with her recent job venture, she has no PTO or disability pay to assist her with living expenses and will be unable to work during recovery.
We'd like to help Melissa by easing her anxiety so she can focus on healing, rather than financial strain. Please leave some positivity and any donation amount you are able. And if you think you're funny, definitely leave a joke for her to read.
And, to quote Melissa, "I can't be the next Amy Schumer with this bummer of a tumor." #TumorHumor
Organizer and beneficiary
Catie O'Brien
Organizer
Omaha, NE
Melissa Nissen
Beneficiary
