Hi all, this is Jeanna DiVietro and if you’ve been following TicsTripsTruths for any amount of time, chances are you’ve met my best friend, Melonie, who has narcolepsy.

You’ve seen her in videos. You’ve laughed with us through the chaos. What you may not know is that Mel is one of the most selfless people I’ve ever met. She is the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back, show up when you need her, and somehow make sure everyone else is okay before ever thinking about herself.

In 2024, Mel beat cervical cancer. She and her husband, Ken, celebrated that victory and hoped the hardest part was behind them.

Unfortunately, Mel has now been diagnosed with stage IV cancer that has spread to her lungs, lymph nodes, and shoulder blade. There are no words that prepare you for hearing news like that. No roadmap. No “how-to” guide for navigating something so devastating.

For those of you asking about sending Melonie something directly:

POBox 2555

Blairsville, GA 30514

Cards, letters, funny postcards with words of encouragement, and small gifts are all welcome.

As Mel begins the fight of her life, she and Ken, are facing an unimaginable reality. They do not have health insurance, and Ken has made the difficult decision to step away from work so he can care for his wife full-time. In an instant, they went from planning everyday life to juggling doctor appointments, treatments, uncertainty, and the loss of their primary source of income.

The financial burden of cancer is overwhelming. Medical expenses, medications, travel to appointments, household bills, and everyday necessities don’t stop simply because life changes overnight. The last thing Mel and Ken should have to worry about right now is how they’re going to afford the care and support she needs.

If you know anything about Mel and me, you know we’ve always found ways to laugh through the chaos. Life has thrown us more plot twists than we ever signed up for. Tourette’s. Narcolepsy. And now this.

I’m creating this GoFundMe because I want Mel and Ken to focus on what truly matters right now: fighting this battle together, making memories, finding moments of joy in the middle of the heartbreak, and spending precious time with the people they love.

If you’re able to donate, please know that every single dollar will go directly toward supporting Melonie and Ken during this incredibly difficult time. Funds will help ease the burden of medical and everyday expenses, while also helping Mel fulfill her bucket-list that includes taking a very long road trip and creating meaningful memories with the people she loves. No amount is too small.

And if donating isn’t possible, I completely understand. Sharing this fundraiser, sending a prayer, leaving words of encouragement, or simply keeping them in your thoughts means more than you could ever imagine.

Melonie has spent her life showing kindness, compassion, and quiet strength to everyone around her. Now it’s our turn to wrap our arms around her and remind her that she doesn’t have to carry this alone.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping us surround Melonie and Ken with love, support, dignity, and hope.

Let’s show them what happens when a community comes together.

With love and gratitude,

Jeanna, Melonie & Ken