Reward Fund for Information Leading to the Location of Melanie Melanson

Melanie Melanson was a child from Woburn, just 14 years old, when she disappeared on the night of October 27, 1989. She was last seen after attending a party in a wooded area near the Woburn–Stoneham line. Melanie never came home. She has never been seen or heard from again, and her remains have never been recovered.

Our family and friends of Melanie have lived with this heartbreak for over 35 years.

A Life Paused — A Family Changed Forever

When Melanie went missing, time stopped for our family but the world kept moving.

Birthdays came and went without her. Holidays passed with an empty place that could never be filled. Parents aged. Siblings grew older. Children and grandchildren were born who only know Melanie through photographs and stories. Every milestone has carried the weight of her absence.

Along with the unanswered questions, our family has lived for decades without the most basic form of closure. We have never been able to lay Melanie to rest, to say goodbye properly, or to honor her with the dignity every person deserves. Not knowing where she is — or what happened — has left a wound that time alone cannot heal.

We are asking for your help to find Melanie's remains and, give this beautiful child the burial she deserves.

Please help, and please share.

We Are Still Here — and We Are Not Giving Up

Time has passed, but our determination has not faded.

Melanie is not just a name in a file or a case number. She is deeply loved, fiercely missed, and forever part of our family. We refuse to allow her story to quietly disappear, and we refuse to stop asking for answers.

We believe it is not too late.

A Moment That Matters

Recently, renewed public attention to Melanie’s case has reminded us that her story is still reaching people — including those who may not have spoken before. Circumstances evolve as time passes. Lives grow. Families are built. Perspectives shift. What once felt impossible to say, may feel different now.

If anyone has information — even something that feels small, uncertain, or long buried — we ask you to consider the power of coming forward. One piece of information could finally bring answers that have been missing for decades and offer peace where there has only been uncertainty.

Purpose of This Fundraiser — Bringing Melanie Home

All funds raised through this campaign will be used exclusively for purposes directly related to Melanie’s case.

The primary purpose of this fundraiser is to establish a substantial reward for credible information that directly leads to locating Melanie or resolving her case, as verified by law enforcement.

In the event that information leads to the recovery of Melanie, or if her location becomes known through verified means, funds may also be used for recovery-related expenses, professional search or excavation efforts, and burial or memorial costs, so that Melanie may finally be brought home and laid to rest with dignity.

The currently available reward amount does not reflect the seriousness, longevity, or impact of this case. Our initial fundraising goal is $50,000, with the ultimate objective of building a reward of up to $250,000 as support continues.

All tips must be reported directly to law enforcement

Any reward will be issued only after information is verified by authorities

Reward distribution will be coordinated with law enforcement, and may be divided if multiple tips meaningfully contribute, based on their guidance

Funds will be held by the campaign organizer and reserved strictly for purposes related to Melanie’s case

This fundraiser does not encourage speculation, accusations, or private investigations. Our goal is lawful, responsible, and focused on truth.

The Reward Will Grow

As funds increase, the reward amount will increase accordingly. Updates will be shared publicly so the growing reward remains visible and transparent.

We believe renewed awareness, combined with a meaningful reward, can reach the right person at the right time — and that someone, somewhere, may finally be ready to speak.

Additional Information & Resources

To ensure accurate information is available in one place, our family has created www.melaniemelanson.com as a centralized resource.

The website includes:

Verified timelines

Historical and recent media coverage

Family statements

Instructions for submitting tips through the appropriate channels, including a designated tip line and email, developed with the knowledge and support of law enforcement

image.png www.melaniemelanson.com

Please note that tips should not be submitted through GoFundMe comments or messages.

Thank You

To everyone who donates, shares, or helps keep Melanie’s name visible — thank you. Your support tells us we are not alone, and it sends a powerful message that this case still matters.

with hope and love,

family of Melanie