Tami and Melissa Garrison

Tami is my sister and Melissa is her daughter. Unfortunately, they are both, once again, in the fights of their lives.
Tami's story:
20 years ago, I was in the fight of my life. I had been diagnosed with APL (a rare form of leukemia). At that time, I was given 2 weeks to live. They started me on an experimental treatment and told me if my body responded, I would have a 30% chance of survival. On Thanksgiving day '95, I was put into ICU with a strep infection in my bloodstream and ARDS. My family was told that I would not make it. Well, God is bigger than the doctors report, and I beat it. Two years ago, I went through breast cancer and beat it. On Tuesday, I was given news that the breast cancer has metastasized to other parts of my body. I am now in another fight for my life. I will begin radiation today for 10 days and then start chemo. I know God is in the healing business and I plan to live and NOT die. This is a lie from the devil who comes to kill, steal and destroy. Well, my docs. are very concerned, they feel I can overcome this also. I had a biopsy yesterday on a lymph node in my back that will determine the course of action for the chemo. By the stripes of Jesus, I AM healed!!

Melissa's story:
Melissa was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Simply put, she was born with only half a heart. Her 16 years of life have been wrought with surgeries, procedures, and medications. She has spent hundreds of days in the hospital in her short life. This past January Melissa was given the greatest gift of all...a new heart. We knew this was not a perfect situation but at least she would finally be able to live a more normal life medically. Let me explain why I specify medically. This young lady is a survivor and a warrior princess. She has never, ever when possible let her situation stop her from experiencing life. She is a blessing to everyone she meets. Her smile and fervor for life warms our hearts. She is an Angel!

Last week we received news that she has yet another fight to endure. She has been diagnosed with Lymphoma. They believe it is a side effect of sorts caused by the transplant. The great news is that it is curable.

My purpose in starting this fundraiser is because my sister's fight has caused her to quit her part-time job and take leave from her full-time job. Their income has been drastically reduced and because she has taken a medical leave she now has to pay for her own medical benefits. That cost is approximately $900.00 per month while she is on leave. My brother-in-law is self employed. While he continues to work and support his family he is also trying to care for his wife and middle daughter. Thankfully my parents live only 10 minutes away so they, too, are very engaged as are Tami's two other daughter' s Jessica and Kaylee.

We would welcome any donation however large or small. Every dollar helps relieve their financial burden. If a donation is not possible, we completely understand and ask that you would keep my sister and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Please feel free to share Tami and Melissa's story with everyone you know. You just never know who would feel moved to help!