Help Beloved Herbalist and Teacher Melissa Fryar Restore Her Sight

For nearly 30 years, Melissa Fryar has helped our community see more clearly through plants, through wisdom, and through her steady, loving presence.

Now she needs help restoring her own sight.

Melissa has been the heart of the Health and Body Department at the French Broad Food Co op for decades. Generations of customers have relied on her deep herbal knowledge, practical guidance, and warm humor. If you have ever walked in uncertain and left feeling empowered, you likely experienced Melissa.

She has also been a beloved herbal teacher for many years, mentoring students and helping shape the herbal community we know today. Her influence runs quietly and deeply through this region.

Last spring, Melissa experienced the sudden onset of fast growing cataracts. Her vision has steadily deteriorated and she can no longer drive.

Her surgeries are scheduled for April 7 and two weeks later. The cost is 4000 dollars per eye, 8000 dollars total. Melissa does not have vision insurance, so these procedures must be paid fully out of pocket.

We are raising funds to help cover the 8000 dollars in surgical costs, transportation to and from surgery, and ongoing transportation to and from work while she cannot drive. Although she has time off for recovery, these additional expenses will create a significant financial strain.

After decades of tending to this community, it is our turn to tend to her.

From the Organizers

We are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of our dear friend, teacher, and herbal colleague.

Lupo first met Melissa nearly 30 years ago while pregnant with her son. From that season forward, Melissa became a trusted guide, helping formulate herbal blends, recommending foundational books, introducing new plants, and always bringing laughter even during difficult times.

Jeannie first met Melissa as her herbal teacher in 2006. She carried the wisdom of the ancestors in her storytelling and challenged her students to truly know a plant by following one herb through an entire year of growth, rest, and renewal.

Over time, teacher and students became collaborators. All three of us now teach herbal medicine together, carrying forward the lineage of plant wisdom that Melissa helped cultivate. What began as mentorship has grown into shared work and deep friendship.

Melissa shows up again and again with wisdom, humility, humor, and fierce love for the plants and for people.

Now we are asking this community to show up for her.

Every donation makes a difference. If you are unable to give, sharing this fundraiser within the herbal and Co op community would mean so much.

With love and gratitude,

Lupo and Jeannie