Update:

Dear friends, family, and kind supporters,

At 1:53 PM today (Florida time), our beloved Melissa Renee Stewart was gently gathered into the arms of Jesus. Her name is now written in the Book of Life in letters of gold, and she is at perfect peace, free from pain and suffering.

This moment, though heartbreaking for us here, brings comfort in knowing she is safely home with her Savior. Melissa fought courageously through her illness.

We are deeply grateful—beyond words—for every prayer, message of encouragement, and donation you’ve shared during this difficult time. Your generosity has lifted burdens, provided comfort, and allowed us to focus on being present with Melissa in her final days. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Please hold our family in your prayers as we grieve, remember, and give thanks for the beautiful life she lived.

1 Thessalonians 4:13 ... brethren... we sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

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Melissa Stewart is a brave 36-year-old Army veteran who is in a fight for her life. For the past 2 weeks she has been in a medically induced coma on life support. She is in need of a double-lung transplant and, in coordination with the VA, she will be transported by air ambulance to the mainland for this life-saving surgery as soon as a transplant center accepts her case.

Melissa joined the Army at 18 and served two tours in Afghanistan, where she was exposed to toxic burn pits. The chemicals and smoke caused irreversible lung damage, leading to a rare, progressive lung disease that has steadily worsened. Recently, she developed a common cold that quickly became pneumonia that caused both of her lungs to collapse.

While the VA will cover the cost of her transplant, we are asking for your help to cover the expenses of her family as they fly from Colorado to Hawaii, pack up all Melissa’s things, and relocate her to the transplant center’s location. In the best case scenario, the VA will offer financial support to Melissa and one support person (her mom) through the transplant process and recovery.

A strong support network is critical to her survival so her dad and sister will follow her to whatever transplant hospital accepts her in order to support her during this critical time. As the weeks and months ahead unfold, they will be facing travel and specialty care expenses, and the everyday financial burden that comes when a loved one is suddenly fighting for their life.

Will you help us ease this family’s financial burden so they can stay by Melissa’s side during this difficult time? She is a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, and friend and is deeply loved by all. Every donation—no matter the size—makes a real difference. Your support will help cover these urgent costs and give Melissa the best chance to recover.

Thank you for considering this request.