For more than 5 decades, Bruce, as Melinda Ryder, has entertained thousands with her infectious humor and sparkling personality in the Kansas City, MO, and surrounding areas. With the love, support, and talent of his spouse, Kirk Nelson, he has dazzled everyone in every show he has ever put on. But for the last 6 months, Bruce has been in a fight for his life, with cancer returning and riddling his body, mind, and spirit. Unfortunately, the cancer is winning this time.

Through the years, Melinda Ryder and Kirk have raised thousands of dollars for all types of charities at Drag Bingo nights, taken numerous budding performers under their wings to help them mold their craft, and shared their story and love with the world without ever asking for any recognition in return.

Bruce has asked for all the pain and agony to stop. All life-saving and support measures have been stopped. He is ready to head to the Cabaret in the sky. As you can imagine, Kirk, his love for over 40 years, is devastated. He has been by his side through it all, his love and devotion unwavering.

The future is very scary for Kirk, not just because he will be without his soulmate, but because of all the unanswered questions. How to pay for all of this? How to pay for a Celebration of Life? Will I be able to stay in our home, our car? Can I afford to pay for all of this?

This is where you all come in.

I, their niece, pray that we can show him and Kirk just how much Melinda Ryder and Kirk have meant to the community and the lives of everyone their orbit has touched.

All money raised will go directly to Kirk to help with the now and the future. Help bring a little joy to this time of darkness, whether it's $5, $100, more, kind words, or even just a share, everything helps.