Join Us to Celebrate Melanie’s Life

✝️MELANIE HORNING’S CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE✝️ 

We invite all to join us as we honor and celebrate Melanie’s life—and to show support for her sweet family. 

Services will be held at Saturday, March 1st at 11:00am, at Grace Chapel, 44648 15th St West, Lancaster, CA 93534. 

A reception will immediately follow at the church, providing an opportunity for those who wish to stay and share memories. 

Update (2/10): Friends, Family, and Compassionate Strangers,

It is with broken hearts we share that on Sunday morning, Melanie finished her fight and immediately met the loving embrace of her Savior, Jesus. Her family is grieving deeply--as their world feels shattered in a million pieces. In the midst of what seems unbearable, they are exceedinly grateful for your continued prayers and for those who have come alongside them with love, meals, and the much-needed donation support.

We are still requesting your help--as medical expenses incurred over the last month are extremely high-- and now, for the costs for upcoming Celebration of Life services to honor Melanie's beautiful heart and her life lived in service to her family and for many, many lives around her.

The family is deeply grateful to everyone who has prayed, donated, texted, called and sent food on the meal train. Words cannot express the HOPE, comfort and encouragement your kindnesses have brought. THANK YOU...to each and every person who has been so generous!

Please SHARE and re-share this post to extend the reach.

Thursday Update (2/6): Melanie was home trying to rest and recover. Unfortunately, as of Thursday evening, she is back in the hospital now--awaiting next steps. This is an extremely difficult, painful journey for her, but Melanie is a fighter!

Melanie wants to start some agressive therapies to fight this. Most are not covered by insurance because they are not FDA approved. However, most other countries, other than the USA, allow these proven therapies.

Ultimately, the family wants to get her to Cancer Center for Healing in Irvine. But it’s costly at $10,000 just to get in the door. And on average, treatment plan costs $30k to $50k.

Initial Post:

I come to you today with a heavy heart as I ask for your support for my dear friend, Melanie. She is a true warrior who is currently facing one of life’s most challenging battles—cancer. As the proud wife and mother of dedicated law enforcement officers, Melanie exemplifies strength and resilience, understanding the unique challenges that come with being part of a law enforcement family.

For those who know her, Melanie is not just a fighter; she is a radiant beacon of light, illuminating the lives of everyone she encounters. Her vibrant spirit, unwavering compassion, and boundless generosity have touched countless lives, but now she is confronting her most formidable challenge yet.

Melanie's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. A decade ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. With remarkable courage and determination, she underwent surgery and emerged victorious, demonstrating her incredible strength. Just five years later, she faced another daunting obstacle when she was diagnosed with olfactory neuroblastoma. Once again, she fought valiantly and triumphed over adversity.

Tragically, in April 2024, Melanie received a devastating diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. This aggressive disease has spread to her liver, lungs, bones, and lymph nodes, plunging her into a critical fight for her life as she now battles liver failure. At present, she is in the ICU, and there is a possibility that she may soon transition to hospice care.

The financial burden of escalating medical expenses is mounting at an alarming rate. That’s why we are reaching out for your help. Your generous support can provide Melanie and her family with the financial assistance they desperately need during this incredibly difficult time. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful impact on Melanie’s journey.

For the past 14 years, Melanie has been the heart and soul of ABCFunStart Preschool, affectionately known as “Miss Melanie” to her students and their families. Her passion for nurturing and educating young minds has left a lasting legacy in our community. However, due to her health challenges, she had to make the heart-wrenching decision to close the preschool, as she can no longer physically manage the demands of her beloved work.

Before dedicating her life to early childhood education, Melanie spent several years at the bank in Acton, where she was celebrated for her kindness and dedication to her customers. Having lived in this community for 40 years, she has built strong connections and friendships that have enriched her life and the lives of those around her.

As Melanie enters this new chapter, her family and friends are rallying around her to ensure that she is comfortable and surrounded by love. However, the financial strain of medical expenses, hospice care, and other related costs can be overwhelming. This is where we can all come together to help lighten her load and show her that she is not alone in this fight.

Thank you for taking the time to read Melanie’s story. Your compassion, generosity, and support can make a significant difference in her life right now. Let’s join hands to uplift this incredible woman who has given so much to others.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ashley C. Smith