Our brother has been living with neuroendocrine carcinoid cancer, which is the same rare form of cancer that our beloved mother battled for 15 years prior to her transition in 2011. We’ve discovered that Mel’s cancer has metastasized to his liver. Please join us now in helping our brother, someone who has devoted much of his life to helping others as the founder of a youth not-for-profit organization, coach, social worker, mentor, caregiver and church trustee. Also, he is a devoted son and uncle/surrogate dad.

Since 2010, Mel has undergone 3 cancer-related surgeries/procedures along with several CT scans, ultrasounds and biopsies. He’s experiencing chronic fatigue, muscle pain and joint aches. This situation has created a continual & significant financial strain, due to the state of our nation’s healthcare system. For example, his current injection medication (Octreatide/Sandostatin LAR) costs approximately $10K per month, of which insurance only covers a little more than half. Yet due to the complexities involved with navigating this disease, future costs & treatments are uncertain.

Thank you,
Cynthia, Carol & Gina

MEL’S   STATEMENT

“Life is a meal & every day is dessert” – Unknown

When I received my first diagnosis at age 49 ½, my mother said, “I’m sorry you inherited this from me.” It was an opportunity for me to tell her how much I love her and that I’d rather live 50 years as her son, than 100 years as someone else’s.  Although I’ve seen cancer shorten the earthly lives of many loved ones, reduce my strength/energy and diminish my finances - I’m determined to keep smiling, maintain my faith and inspire as many people as possible.