Melissa's Breast Cancer Battle

Hi, my name is Rachel Butas, and I am asking for your support to help raise money for my sister, Melissa Butas, as she begins her road to beating cancer. In mid-August, our family was devastated to learn that Melissa (41) was diagnosed with Breast Cancer (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Stage 1A HER2 Positive Breast Cancer).

As a single mother of two young children, Rowan (4) and Charlee (3), just diagnosed with cancer, one can only begin to imagine the amount of anxiety and stress that has overcome her with concerns about all of the unknown.

Melissa put herself through college and currently has a great part-time job as a graphic designer. She has worked hard to have minimal debt without support from her children’s father, who owes a very substantial amount to Ottawa County Friend of the Court.

Melissa's breast cancer treatment will include a bilateral mastectomy scheduled for September 12, 2022, with subsequent rehabilitation, chemotherapy and possibly radiation. Her treatment plan will be more definitive after the tumor is removed and undergoes additional testing.

Melissa will be unable to work during the 2-3 weeks following her mastectomy and will require additional time off for treatments and any related side effects. Unfortunately, her employer does not offer any paid time off or short-term disability due to her part-time employment.

During her recovery and treatments, she will have no significant source of income. Between rent/utilities, basic necessities, food, and transportation costs, it will be challenging to make ends meet without some additional financial support. We want to be able to ensure her children continue to receive uninterrupted care and support.

Any donation and/or support you can offer will provide Melissa with the comfort of some financial stability so that she can focus on her treatment and recovery to win this fight against cancer.

Our family would like to thank you for your time and consideration and for any support you can provide. #ButasStrong

To stay updated on Melissa's Road to Recovery, please feel free to join our Facebook Group: Melissa's Fight Updates