Haas Rally Against Cancer
Donation protected
Meet Justin. Justin, lovingly known as “Butter” to many, was born with a flap that covered his ureters, which prevented his kidneys from developing. Justin underwent his first successful kidney transplant at 1 ½ years of age through the donation of his loving mother, Dixie.
Several years later, complications arose, and Justin was notified that he needed another surgery. In 2010, Justin successfully underwent his second kidney transplant, through his now-loving-wife, Melanie. Melanie and Justin were only dating at the time, yet she decided to get tested to see if she was a viable match. Amazingly, she was, and though there were no promises where their relationship would lead them in the future, Melanie still choose to selflessly donate her kidney. They were married later that year.
Unbelievably, Justin started having familiar complications, and was again informed that he would need yet another kidney transplant. Miraculously, a gracious match was found through Julie, a family friend’s daughter; and in 2017, Justin again beat the odds, successfully accepting his third kidney donation.
July 2020
Justin began feeling ill, eventually experiencing a full GI upset. There were concerns Covid-19 was a culprit, as Justin was already so compromised and working as an essential employee, he was easily susceptible. It was decided a physician needed to be contacted so that Justin could get some answers as to why he was so ill. However, since symptoms he was experiencing did mirror some of those associated with Covid-19, the doctor’s office reported they were unable to see him, and he was instructed to go to the emergency room. Upon arrival, Justin was taken back into a room for evaluation. It was thought that maybe testing for Covid was taking place. Or maybe it was again his kidney stirring things up. Except this time, a new curveball was to be thrown towards Justin and his family. On Monday, July 20th, Justin was diagnosed with cancer. He is 39.
At this time, little is known on the condition of Justin’s diagnosis. Physicians report that the cancer has metastasized to his liver and stomach, but that they need to locate the origin point. Currently, Justin is being evaluated at Cleveland Clinic to hopefully gain more answers and be provided a treatment plan.
Justin is not only a diagnosis. He is a father to a wonderful little boy named Lucas, and husband to his wife Melanie. Lucas is also a bit of a miracle, as there were a lot of interventions that had to take place before Justin and Melanie could welcome their beautiful baby boy. Justin is a son, a brother, an uncle. Justin is a wonderful friend to many, and a lover of art. He is a joyful spirit that just wishes kindness and understanding amongst others. He is funny. Melanie also works as an appointed legal guardian to those who have no one else to help them. She is caring, a wonderful mother. She is also a creative spirit. This family has already endured and conquered so many obstacles, and now they are facing what could be their biggest. I ask that you donate to help this wonderful family. This money can help assist with medical bills, as well as needs for the family, so that they may focus on their wellbeing – physical, emotional, and spiritual – and healing. I will post updates as information becomes available. Please share with all those you can. This family deserves a rally of love and support.
Several years later, complications arose, and Justin was notified that he needed another surgery. In 2010, Justin successfully underwent his second kidney transplant, through his now-loving-wife, Melanie. Melanie and Justin were only dating at the time, yet she decided to get tested to see if she was a viable match. Amazingly, she was, and though there were no promises where their relationship would lead them in the future, Melanie still choose to selflessly donate her kidney. They were married later that year.
Unbelievably, Justin started having familiar complications, and was again informed that he would need yet another kidney transplant. Miraculously, a gracious match was found through Julie, a family friend’s daughter; and in 2017, Justin again beat the odds, successfully accepting his third kidney donation.
July 2020
Justin began feeling ill, eventually experiencing a full GI upset. There were concerns Covid-19 was a culprit, as Justin was already so compromised and working as an essential employee, he was easily susceptible. It was decided a physician needed to be contacted so that Justin could get some answers as to why he was so ill. However, since symptoms he was experiencing did mirror some of those associated with Covid-19, the doctor’s office reported they were unable to see him, and he was instructed to go to the emergency room. Upon arrival, Justin was taken back into a room for evaluation. It was thought that maybe testing for Covid was taking place. Or maybe it was again his kidney stirring things up. Except this time, a new curveball was to be thrown towards Justin and his family. On Monday, July 20th, Justin was diagnosed with cancer. He is 39.
At this time, little is known on the condition of Justin’s diagnosis. Physicians report that the cancer has metastasized to his liver and stomach, but that they need to locate the origin point. Currently, Justin is being evaluated at Cleveland Clinic to hopefully gain more answers and be provided a treatment plan.
Justin is not only a diagnosis. He is a father to a wonderful little boy named Lucas, and husband to his wife Melanie. Lucas is also a bit of a miracle, as there were a lot of interventions that had to take place before Justin and Melanie could welcome their beautiful baby boy. Justin is a son, a brother, an uncle. Justin is a wonderful friend to many, and a lover of art. He is a joyful spirit that just wishes kindness and understanding amongst others. He is funny. Melanie also works as an appointed legal guardian to those who have no one else to help them. She is caring, a wonderful mother. She is also a creative spirit. This family has already endured and conquered so many obstacles, and now they are facing what could be their biggest. I ask that you donate to help this wonderful family. This money can help assist with medical bills, as well as needs for the family, so that they may focus on their wellbeing – physical, emotional, and spiritual – and healing. I will post updates as information becomes available. Please share with all those you can. This family deserves a rally of love and support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Devan Eldred
Organizer
North Olmsted, OH
Melanie Haas
Beneficiary