First, I want to say this GoFundMe post was made with Melanie’s permission.

Several months ago, Melanie was diagnosed with a mass on the meninges around her brain. The mass is nestled amongst all of her vital nerves. After much consultation, it was determined the best course of action was to have brain surgery to remove the mass or as much as possible. Today is the day she is having surgery. With any surgery, but especially brain surgery, there is an immense risk of infection. Her neurosurgeon is very optimistic about the outcome. Melanie had to go through lots of tests and get her A1c down before the surgery could even take place.

The doctor has informed her that she will be in ICU for a few days and then will have to stay at the hospital for another week after the surgery. Then she’ll be off work for another four weeks recovering. Of course, this timeframe is all based on everything going well for her during her surgery and recovery.

As everyone knows, Melanie lost her daughter Faith in February to a tragic motor vehicle accident. She used all of her personal time to grieve and get Faith’s affairs in order. She is able to file for FMLA through her work, but she will be out of full pay for almost 6 weeks. She has short-term disability that will provide her with some partial income. We are asking for all of your prayers that the surgery goes well and she makes a full recovery. Due to the risk of infection, she probably will not be able to have a lot of visitors. When she gets out of the hospital, she will be staying with me until she and her doctor are comfortable with her being on her own. If you want to send her or Xaden a card with positive thoughts, I will make sure she gets each piece of mail!

All funds collected will help with the medical bills, loss of pay, and travel expenses.

Melanie also has a Cash App and Venmo account if you would rather send her funds that way. Or you can send funds directly to me if you want something for her or Xaden while she is in the hospital.

Most importantly, your continued prayers and support are what’s needed the most. Thank you! ❤️

UPDATE 9/24/25

Today was a good day in Melanie's recovery. Two weeks post-op, she was moved to Rehab at the Avera Specialty Hospital. She will be busy with therapy going forward (3 hours a day/6 days a week).

6100 South Louise Ave. Room 418

Sioux Falls, SD 57108