Melanson Family
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Please help the Melanson Family who was involved in the Mass shooting that took place in Vegas on October 1st evening. Stephanie is safe, Paige was shot in the arm and has been reported okay, Rosemarie has been shot in the chest and is in the care of medical professionals.
I will keep this updated as info comes in.
Please help this amazing family that does so much for everyone they meet! They have made an impact on so many and now it is our turn to help them! One family member is traveling in Internationally to be with his family too.
ALL funds will go directly to the Melanson's
Stories shared about the family:
http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/36538878/las-vegas-concert-was-a-mothers-day-gift-now-shes-fighting-for-her-life
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/a-%e2%80%98long-bad-dream%e2%80%99-though-vegas-shooting-lasted-minutes-recovery-is-far-from-over/ar-AAt7pkT?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=DELLDHP17
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/a-long-bad-dream-though-vegas-shooting-lasted-minutes-recovery-is-far-from-over/2017/10/08/b0184762-ab71-11e7-850e-2bdd1236be5d_story.html?utm_term=.714532a5d6a6
An Amazing story about Stephanie's Boyfriend Aaron:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/while-others-were-fleeing-the-scene-he-ran-into-it/2017/10/04/189bf14a-a969-11e7-b3aa-c0e2e1d41e38_story.html?utm_term=.6b649467fcb4
Paige as Former Miss Las Vegas
https://www.cbsnews.com/videos/former-miss-las-vegas-reunites-with-mom-after-concert-shooting/
Video of the story on facebook
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10155724486562801&id=66660497800
UPDATE 10/18:
From Paige: No new news! Slow and steady wins the race, and mama is going to win hers! Still critical, still on life support, but things are slowly (very slowly) moving in the right direction. When I walked in today Uncle Paul said, "Paige is here", and she immediately opened her eyes. I told her Hi! And she smiled the biggest I've seen so far!!! I wanted to cry! She still looks disoriented when her eyes are open but I know, she knows when we are there! Continued prayers are still so appreciated! ❤️
I also need to thank everyone who has helped my family in such a difficult time. To everyone who has messaged, THANK YOU for reaching out. I know I still haven't responded to a lot but please know I have read and appreciate them all. To everyone who donated to our families gofundme page, THANK YOU for your kindness and generosity! To everyone that has sent cards, letters, and care packages, THANK YOU! You have touched mine and my families heart so much. And to everyone who has joined on the meal train and have meals lined up for my family for however long we need is unbelievable! Taking the stress off of cooking and grocery shopping has been a huge blessing and I couldn't be more grateful. To everyone that has prayed for my mom and my family, THANK YOU! I believe the power of prayer is what has kept my mom alive!
On another positive note, our family hero, Don Matthews and his girlfriend Karen called me to check in today and we chatted for over an hour! He can't wait to come back and hug mom when she's awake! And I can't wait to hug him and thank him in person! ❤️ #VegasStrong #MelansonStrong
UPDATE 10/13:
From Paige:
Please know, your prayers for mom are working! She is a living miracle! She has a long, long way to go and I hate seeing her in pain, but pain means she's feeling and that feeling means she's alive!
She had some visitors today from the Jabbawockeez today! She opened her eyes, and when they left the room she cracked a smile and nodded which is her way of communicating she knew they were there.
Tonight, my mom is being honored at the LVHS Homecoming game, where all 4 of us kids went to high school. My parents spent 9 consecutive years supporting us and our school by coming to watch us for countless football and basketball games,where the boys played football and Steph and I cheered, choir performances, and JROTC events and volunteering many hours there. The principal, Mrs. Brockett has been the fearless leader at that school and we are so humbled and grateful that she has reached out to let us know they would be doing this for mom! So, tonight as a family we will gather at the field and reminisce and watch some good ol' Wildcat football! #VegasStrong #RosemarieStrong #OnceAWildcatAlwaysAWildcat
UPDATE 10/6:
From Paige:
Latest update on mom, doctors say kidneys are going to need help. My mom is not awake, they she has not been awake very much this whole time. Our visits have to be minimal and we are not aloud to have conversations with her. We can let her know we are there but that's it. Her rest is very important right now. We are all so anxious to have her talking again, my heart is in the pit of my stomach. With all that said the doctors are still very much planning a full recovery, very long and slow recovery but full recovery.
UPDATE 10/4:
From Becky (Dance Mom): For all my out of town friends and family who have been praying for Rosemarie and her girls... THANK YOU! To give you an update, Rosemarie had the second of 2 surgeries and is in the hospital recovering. She is aware and breathing on her own. The bullet entered her chest and went through her body missing her heart, lodging into her abdomen. The surgeons did not remove the bullet because of its location but she is going to make a full recovery. PRAYER is powerful and I know it has sustained Rosemarie and her family. Please continue to lift them up in prayer along with all of the other victims here in Vegas and their families. This has been so devastating for so many. I am so humbled to see all the amazing ANGELS among us here in Las Vegas. This community has stepped up like no other. Last night in an interview with Nightline, Steve, Rosemarie's husband said it best when he said... "We've been known as Sin City... but the amount of outpouring of love in this city ...there's more LOVE in this city than sin."
From Paige: We got official word from one of mom's doctors today. UNFORTUNATELY, mom has had damage to the lung, and spleen, and that her liver took the brunt of the blow. She's still not out of the woods, but doctors still expect a full (but long) recovery.
PRAYER WARRIORS, this fight is far from over. Please, everyone, continue lifting her in prayer, healing thoughts and positive energy!
I'm trying to get back to everyone who has called, text, and messaged on social media. Just know I have seen all of your love and support and thank you from the bottom of my heart! ❤️
2nd UPDATE 10/3:
Rosemarie had a second surgery today and it was very successful. She can begin the recovery process. Also, there was a retired firefighter who saved Rosemarie’s life and was responsible for getting Stephanie and Paige and their friends to safety and they were finally able to locate him this evening, which is so exciting!
From Paige: IT'S HIM! IT'S HIM!!! This man saved my mother's life!!!!!! I'm at a loss of words. I was contacted by his girlfriend's daughter who connected us! He called, we cried and we talked!This is Don Matthews, a true HERO! A retired LA City Firefighter of 34 years, risked his life for my mom. He let us know mom was one of the last victims taken away from the scene. 6-8 volunteers tore down a fence, loaded her on it and carried her to safety! I will never be able to repay this man but I'm so so thankful he was there and kept his promise to stay with my mom! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
From Stephanie: ITS HIM!!!! IT'S REALLY HIM!!!! HE SAVED US ALL - HE PROMISED ME AND HE KEPT HIS PROMISE, MY MOM, LYNNE, SHLEBY, PAIGE, AND ME WE ARE HERE BECAUSE OF HIM!!!! I CANT EVEN BELIEVE THIS, MY MOMS REAL LIFE GUARDIAN ANGEL ❤️❤️❤️
Photo of Dan talking to Paige and Steve
UPDATE 10/3:
Update from the Melanson's...
Mom is hanging in there. Not able to speak yet but responds by nodding her head and fluttering her eyes. Continued prayers for Rosemarie are needed as she's not out of the wood quite yet.
Paige is in a lot of pain, but so thankful her injuries are not worse.
Stephanie is having trouble dealing with the thought that she had to leave her mom to save herself so prayers for her knowing she did the right thing is very much needed.
The girls were finally able to get some sleep last night, but it wasn't easy as all they could picture every time they closed their eyes was the horror of that horrible night.
Please continue prayers for not only physical healing, but just as important, emotional healing for this sweet family!
Love you all!
UPDATE 10/2 12:30 pm:
Rosemarie has been found and alive is critical but stable condition! Paige is getting her arm taken care of now and is physically doing well. Messages from the daughters below.
Message from Paige:
I made it down to the hospital to see mom (I've been at home with grandma after telling her in the middle of the night). I'm so grateful she's alive! She's such a strong woman and with the power of prayer I know she will make a comeback!
As for my arm, I was told to come back today to get it re checked and cleaned as they were dealing with far worse than my elbow, BUT I am getting stitches now and since the adrenaline has worn off, I'm feeling it! It could have been so much worse, and the last thing on my mind was my arm as I was worried sick about my mom. I will be just fine and continue to update moms progress!
There will be a prayer circle at Dance Dynamics today at 12:00 if you'd like to come by and join us in prayer! ❤️
Message from Stephanie:
After 11 hours of searching, two hospital runs, hours of being covered in dirt, sweat, puke, blood, fear, and continuous prayers, the search is finally over, MY MOM IS ALIVE!!!!!! She is in critical but stable condition. Her gunshot hit to her right upper chest moved through her body but just missed her aorta. God was definitely looking out for my mother. She underwent and emergency surgery and is currently healing. She is not awake at the moment but my dad and I are by her side.
What was once my favorite weekend of my entire year quickly turned into my worse nightmare. I will never forget this day. The joy, happiness, laughs, friendships, amazing music, food and memories made quickly turned into fear and chaos between the gunshots, screams, sirens, wounded, dead bodies, and heartache....something I will never get out of my head. The look of helpless my mom had when I left her there laying on the grass wounded with her cold pale face....I truly thought that was the last time I was going to see her. I just thank God and the power of prayer for bring her back home to us. I know there were SEVERAL families not as fortunate as ours. But I WILL be forever grateful the big man upstairs has more plans for her still. Please continue to prayer and send prayers her way for a speedy recovery.
MOM YOU ARE THE STRONGEST WARRIOR I KNOW, YOU'RE NOT DONE FIGHTING YET!!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
UPDATE 10/2:
Dance Dynamics hosting a prayer circle for the family at 12 noon on Monday.
I will keep this updated as info comes in.
Please help this amazing family that does so much for everyone they meet! They have made an impact on so many and now it is our turn to help them! One family member is traveling in Internationally to be with his family too.
ALL funds will go directly to the Melanson's
Stories shared about the family:
http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/36538878/las-vegas-concert-was-a-mothers-day-gift-now-shes-fighting-for-her-life
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/a-%e2%80%98long-bad-dream%e2%80%99-though-vegas-shooting-lasted-minutes-recovery-is-far-from-over/ar-AAt7pkT?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=DELLDHP17
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/a-long-bad-dream-though-vegas-shooting-lasted-minutes-recovery-is-far-from-over/2017/10/08/b0184762-ab71-11e7-850e-2bdd1236be5d_story.html?utm_term=.714532a5d6a6
An Amazing story about Stephanie's Boyfriend Aaron:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/while-others-were-fleeing-the-scene-he-ran-into-it/2017/10/04/189bf14a-a969-11e7-b3aa-c0e2e1d41e38_story.html?utm_term=.6b649467fcb4
Paige as Former Miss Las Vegas
https://www.cbsnews.com/videos/former-miss-las-vegas-reunites-with-mom-after-concert-shooting/
Video of the story on facebook
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10155724486562801&id=66660497800
UPDATE 10/18:
From Paige: No new news! Slow and steady wins the race, and mama is going to win hers! Still critical, still on life support, but things are slowly (very slowly) moving in the right direction. When I walked in today Uncle Paul said, "Paige is here", and she immediately opened her eyes. I told her Hi! And she smiled the biggest I've seen so far!!! I wanted to cry! She still looks disoriented when her eyes are open but I know, she knows when we are there! Continued prayers are still so appreciated! ❤️
I also need to thank everyone who has helped my family in such a difficult time. To everyone who has messaged, THANK YOU for reaching out. I know I still haven't responded to a lot but please know I have read and appreciate them all. To everyone who donated to our families gofundme page, THANK YOU for your kindness and generosity! To everyone that has sent cards, letters, and care packages, THANK YOU! You have touched mine and my families heart so much. And to everyone who has joined on the meal train and have meals lined up for my family for however long we need is unbelievable! Taking the stress off of cooking and grocery shopping has been a huge blessing and I couldn't be more grateful. To everyone that has prayed for my mom and my family, THANK YOU! I believe the power of prayer is what has kept my mom alive!
On another positive note, our family hero, Don Matthews and his girlfriend Karen called me to check in today and we chatted for over an hour! He can't wait to come back and hug mom when she's awake! And I can't wait to hug him and thank him in person! ❤️ #VegasStrong #MelansonStrong
UPDATE 10/13:
From Paige:
Please know, your prayers for mom are working! She is a living miracle! She has a long, long way to go and I hate seeing her in pain, but pain means she's feeling and that feeling means she's alive!
She had some visitors today from the Jabbawockeez today! She opened her eyes, and when they left the room she cracked a smile and nodded which is her way of communicating she knew they were there.
Tonight, my mom is being honored at the LVHS Homecoming game, where all 4 of us kids went to high school. My parents spent 9 consecutive years supporting us and our school by coming to watch us for countless football and basketball games,where the boys played football and Steph and I cheered, choir performances, and JROTC events and volunteering many hours there. The principal, Mrs. Brockett has been the fearless leader at that school and we are so humbled and grateful that she has reached out to let us know they would be doing this for mom! So, tonight as a family we will gather at the field and reminisce and watch some good ol' Wildcat football! #VegasStrong #RosemarieStrong #OnceAWildcatAlwaysAWildcat
UPDATE 10/6:
From Paige:
Latest update on mom, doctors say kidneys are going to need help. My mom is not awake, they she has not been awake very much this whole time. Our visits have to be minimal and we are not aloud to have conversations with her. We can let her know we are there but that's it. Her rest is very important right now. We are all so anxious to have her talking again, my heart is in the pit of my stomach. With all that said the doctors are still very much planning a full recovery, very long and slow recovery but full recovery.
UPDATE 10/4:
From Becky (Dance Mom): For all my out of town friends and family who have been praying for Rosemarie and her girls... THANK YOU! To give you an update, Rosemarie had the second of 2 surgeries and is in the hospital recovering. She is aware and breathing on her own. The bullet entered her chest and went through her body missing her heart, lodging into her abdomen. The surgeons did not remove the bullet because of its location but she is going to make a full recovery. PRAYER is powerful and I know it has sustained Rosemarie and her family. Please continue to lift them up in prayer along with all of the other victims here in Vegas and their families. This has been so devastating for so many. I am so humbled to see all the amazing ANGELS among us here in Las Vegas. This community has stepped up like no other. Last night in an interview with Nightline, Steve, Rosemarie's husband said it best when he said... "We've been known as Sin City... but the amount of outpouring of love in this city ...there's more LOVE in this city than sin."
From Paige: We got official word from one of mom's doctors today. UNFORTUNATELY, mom has had damage to the lung, and spleen, and that her liver took the brunt of the blow. She's still not out of the woods, but doctors still expect a full (but long) recovery.
PRAYER WARRIORS, this fight is far from over. Please, everyone, continue lifting her in prayer, healing thoughts and positive energy!
I'm trying to get back to everyone who has called, text, and messaged on social media. Just know I have seen all of your love and support and thank you from the bottom of my heart! ❤️
2nd UPDATE 10/3:
Rosemarie had a second surgery today and it was very successful. She can begin the recovery process. Also, there was a retired firefighter who saved Rosemarie’s life and was responsible for getting Stephanie and Paige and their friends to safety and they were finally able to locate him this evening, which is so exciting!
From Paige: IT'S HIM! IT'S HIM!!! This man saved my mother's life!!!!!! I'm at a loss of words. I was contacted by his girlfriend's daughter who connected us! He called, we cried and we talked!This is Don Matthews, a true HERO! A retired LA City Firefighter of 34 years, risked his life for my mom. He let us know mom was one of the last victims taken away from the scene. 6-8 volunteers tore down a fence, loaded her on it and carried her to safety! I will never be able to repay this man but I'm so so thankful he was there and kept his promise to stay with my mom! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
From Stephanie: ITS HIM!!!! IT'S REALLY HIM!!!! HE SAVED US ALL - HE PROMISED ME AND HE KEPT HIS PROMISE, MY MOM, LYNNE, SHLEBY, PAIGE, AND ME WE ARE HERE BECAUSE OF HIM!!!! I CANT EVEN BELIEVE THIS, MY MOMS REAL LIFE GUARDIAN ANGEL ❤️❤️❤️
Photo of Dan talking to Paige and Steve
UPDATE 10/3:
Update from the Melanson's...
Mom is hanging in there. Not able to speak yet but responds by nodding her head and fluttering her eyes. Continued prayers for Rosemarie are needed as she's not out of the wood quite yet.
Paige is in a lot of pain, but so thankful her injuries are not worse.
Stephanie is having trouble dealing with the thought that she had to leave her mom to save herself so prayers for her knowing she did the right thing is very much needed.
The girls were finally able to get some sleep last night, but it wasn't easy as all they could picture every time they closed their eyes was the horror of that horrible night.
Please continue prayers for not only physical healing, but just as important, emotional healing for this sweet family!
Love you all!
UPDATE 10/2 12:30 pm:
Rosemarie has been found and alive is critical but stable condition! Paige is getting her arm taken care of now and is physically doing well. Messages from the daughters below.
Message from Paige:
I made it down to the hospital to see mom (I've been at home with grandma after telling her in the middle of the night). I'm so grateful she's alive! She's such a strong woman and with the power of prayer I know she will make a comeback!
As for my arm, I was told to come back today to get it re checked and cleaned as they were dealing with far worse than my elbow, BUT I am getting stitches now and since the adrenaline has worn off, I'm feeling it! It could have been so much worse, and the last thing on my mind was my arm as I was worried sick about my mom. I will be just fine and continue to update moms progress!
There will be a prayer circle at Dance Dynamics today at 12:00 if you'd like to come by and join us in prayer! ❤️
Message from Stephanie:
After 11 hours of searching, two hospital runs, hours of being covered in dirt, sweat, puke, blood, fear, and continuous prayers, the search is finally over, MY MOM IS ALIVE!!!!!! She is in critical but stable condition. Her gunshot hit to her right upper chest moved through her body but just missed her aorta. God was definitely looking out for my mother. She underwent and emergency surgery and is currently healing. She is not awake at the moment but my dad and I are by her side.
What was once my favorite weekend of my entire year quickly turned into my worse nightmare. I will never forget this day. The joy, happiness, laughs, friendships, amazing music, food and memories made quickly turned into fear and chaos between the gunshots, screams, sirens, wounded, dead bodies, and heartache....something I will never get out of my head. The look of helpless my mom had when I left her there laying on the grass wounded with her cold pale face....I truly thought that was the last time I was going to see her. I just thank God and the power of prayer for bring her back home to us. I know there were SEVERAL families not as fortunate as ours. But I WILL be forever grateful the big man upstairs has more plans for her still. Please continue to prayer and send prayers her way for a speedy recovery.
MOM YOU ARE THE STRONGEST WARRIOR I KNOW, YOU'RE NOT DONE FIGHTING YET!!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
UPDATE 10/2:
Dance Dynamics hosting a prayer circle for the family at 12 noon on Monday.
Organizer and beneficiary
Tiffany Blasco
Organizer
Henderson, NV
Rosemarie Melanson
Beneficiary
