Medical Fundraiser to Support Melissa's Road to Recovery

GoFundMe created on behalf of Mike & Lori Stedman

From Mike & Lori:

Our dear friend, Melissa Kookesh, suffered a stroke and was medivac’d to Anchorage, AK on Sunday, April 21. This unexpected and devastating event has left her facing a challenging road ahead.

What was hoped to be a short visit has been complicated by numerous tests to try and determine cause and proper preventative measures, as well as acute inpatient therapies that include speech, occupational and physical.

All who know Melissa, know she is a very strong, hard working, single mom who would not request financial support on her own.

The journey to recovery from a stroke is not only physically demanding but also emotionally and financially taxing. While she is here at Providence’s St. Elias Specialty Hospital for rehabilitation, she is unable to work. She is doing remarkable, but will need to continue inpatient therapy for an unforeseen period of time. When she’s stronger, she’ll return home to Juneau to begin outpatient therapy.

This GoFundMe was created by close family friends to help support Melissa so she can focus all her energy on a full recovery without the added stress of mounting bills and travel expenses for her family to be by her side. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference in Melissa’s life and bring hope to her journey toward healing.

For State of Alaska employees & friends who would like to donate leave (PTO), please email [email redacted] or call [phone redacted].

Melissa is in stable condition, but could use all the love, thoughts and prayers. She has always held her family & friends up in times of need, now, it's our turn to rally around her!

Your generosity and support will not only help Melissa through her recovery, but will also serve as a reminder of the love and kindness that surround her during this time.

Together, we can make a difference and show her that she is not alone in her recovery.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassion, generosity, and prayers.

For those who would rather mail a donation, her mailing address is:

Melissa Kookesh

3386 Park Place

Juneau, Alaska 99801

With deepest gratitude,

Mike & Lori Stedman