I'm going to tell you about a person who is one of those people everyone just adores. Her name is Mel.

I've worked with Mel at Captain Daly Elementary for the better part of 27 years. It's hard to sit and put exactly what I want others to know about her because it wouldn't do her justice. I know people often highlight only the good about people when times turn hard but honestly, that is all there is to say about Mel. The good.

 

Early on Mel has experienced more than many. In 1992 she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She has lived with this for years yet never allowed it to control her. She still lived her life to the fullest, raising her wonderful son Zimmy as a single mom while working hard to teach students throughout the school year and continuing through each summer.

 

In 2020 Mel felt a lump in her left breast and immediately went to have it examined. She and all of us were relieved to be told that because she caught it early, she would still need chemotherapy and radiation treaments, but it was diagnosed as Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Mel did have to miss work during the 2020 school year, as she fought through surgery and treatments. However, she returned to teach virtually during the school year and then summer school in 2021.

Toward the end of the summer, Mel discovered another lump in her chest. Her results came back that not only had her cancer metastasized, but it changed. It became much more aggressive and now went from Stage 1 to Stage IV.

Mel currently receives Chemotherapy treatments every Friday, along with radiation when needed.

As of July 1, 2022, Mel will no longer be able to receive her regular paychecks from Montgomery County Public Schools because she has maximized the allowable time away from her job due to her treatments. As a result, she will now have to pay for her medical insurance.

This fundraiser has been organized to help Mel with her ongoing financial obligations. She has done so much for so many. Paying it forward to try and help her is incredibly important to me and all of us who know her.

 

Even if you can't donate at this time, please keep Mel and her family in your prayers.

Thank you.