As many of you know, our Mel has been fighting (and winning!) the battle against Multiple Myeloma. She has fought hard and is more than halfway through the 1st leg of her journey. She has continued to work through her treatments being the true warrior that she is. She will soon begin the second leg of her journey which will require her to be off work for 6 months and away from home often. 

Here is a glimpse of what is ahead for Mel and her family:

She will be receiving her treatments (stem cell transplant) at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, starting late April/early May. Her treatments are split into 3. The first 2 treatments she will be in the hospital approximately a week at a time. In between treatments (anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks), she can come home IF her numbers are “safe” for her to do so. The 3rd and final treatment, she will be in the hospital for about 1 month. 

This Go Fund Me has been started to help Mel and Tay with all the expenses that will surface during treatment. As stated above, she will be off work for 6 months. During her treatments, there will be approximately 20-30 days of hotel stays near the hospital, to be paid out of pocket. Obviously, Tay and the boys will want to visit ( over 2 hour drive each way) and stay with or near Mel as much as possible so the cost of gas, food and hotel can add up quickly. Due to the nature of her treatments, Mel will lose her hair and has accepted this and handled it with such grace. She went to look at wigs and they come at a cost of $200-$300 each. As you can see there are many added expenses in addition to monthly bills and mortgage. 

Mel and Tay are so thankful for your love and support and are beyond blessed for all the people in their lives. Let’s continue to support them so they can be together as much as possible and help ease the financial burden. 

With that said, it is VERY important to Mel and Tay that you know every dime donated will go directly to their expenses during these treatments. ANY money not used during this time will be donated to Multiple Myeloma Research. 

Thank you for surrounding the Brown family with such love. They are eternally grateful!

****** a few side notes:

A meal train will be set up as the dates draw near for Taylor, the boys and whoever may be staying at their home to help out. Mel CAN NOT have any outside food for at least the first 90 days.
Mel CAN NOT have any flowers or plants during her treatments, at the hospital or in her home.