Melanie Morales is my beloved niece, and she is facing an incredibly difficult time. On January 2, 2026, Melanie’s mother, Joann, passed away after multiple hospitalizations. In lieu of flowers or other memorials, our family is asking for assistance for Joann’s only remaining child, Melanie.

Melanie lives in Corpus Christi, Texas, with her husband, Aaron. Aaron has been courageously battling ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) for several years. This progressive neurological disease has impacted every aspect of their lives. Aaron now requires full-time, 24/7 home nursing care and is completely dependent on Melanie and skilled caregivers for all his needs. Despite these immense challenges, Aaron continues to face each day with a smile and his signature wit, counting every day as a triumph over this debilitating disease.

We are reaching out to our cherished community to ask for help so that Melanie and Aaron can be with family and friends for celebrations of Joann’s wonderful life in New Mexico and the Pacific Northwest. Because of Aaron’s ALS, the challenges and logistics of this trip are significant—from airfare for three (as Melanie cannot provide 24-hour care alone), to paying a professional caregiver out of pocket (since insurance will not cover Aaron’s care outside of Texas), to renting a handicap-accessible van, and securing specific lodging. Your support will help make it possible for Melanie and Aaron to honor Joann’s memory surrounded by loved ones.

Thank you to all who have taken the time to read this plea for help. I understand that times are very tough for everyone now, and please know that even a small contribution will make a difference in allowing Melanie to help share in the celebration of her Mom’s, my sister Joann’s, life. With heartfelt appreciation, Lynne Walters