MELISSA DACE CANCER RELIEF FUND

A MESSAGE FROM MELISSA:

”Hello friends and family. I've wrestled with this all week and must give explanation. As you all know, I'm typically a quiet and private person who does NOT like to bring attention to myself and I definitely don't want to ask anyone for anything. If I can, I do whatever is needed so that I don't burden others.

My sweet, caring cousin Wyatt D Phillips took it upon himself to start this GoFundme effort. I tried to convince him otherwise, but his heart is just too big and he couldn't help himself. Thank you for following your heart Wyatt.

Someone told me that I can't dictate how my blessings come. That was powerful, but I prayed about it because my "feelings" were not at peace. I didn't want to appear as someone begging for money. I have always worked and provided for my family.

This unexpected diagnosis of Colon Cancer came as a result of severe abdominal pain that landed me in the ER on August 14th. Once they found the tumor that was blocking my colon, I had to have emergency surgery. They removed over a foot of my colon, as well as, some lymph nodes. Furthermore, pathology found the tumor to be Stage 3 Colon Cancer. Aside trying to heal from surgery, I've started chemotherapy which I'm expected to continue for 6 months. I'm only on round 2 and the side-effects of the treatment are REAL.

I must say, this is by far, the scariest thing I've ever been faced with. My life is at stake, but I still have things to do!! I also know that God doesn't put more on us than we can handle and HIS WORD WILL NOT RETURN VOID!!!

I'm a fighter and that's what I've been doing. That includes working because I must maintain my household. I am not a full-time employee, so I have no sick time. If I can't work, I don't get paid. This does impact my ability to heal so I do what I can.

In addition, medical bills are stacking up but that's the least of my concern right now. I know that I will get through this because God is right here by my side. He has always provided and I can't imagine him leaving me now. He's not that type of God.

I don't want anyone to feel pressured to help. I just thought I'd share a little bit about this unexpected journey that I'm on and how this Gofundme effort was started.

Many thanks to those that have already blessed my family and many thanks to those that took the time to read what I've shared. I look forward to being able to help others one day soon!

NOTE: If you are 45 and have NEVER had a colonoscopy, please make your appointment today! It could save your life.

I love you all!!! ”

ORIGINAL APPEAL FROM WYATT:

My cousin, Melissa Dace, the beloved daughter of Anna “Precious” Ogletree, has been diagnosed with cancer and is facing the greatest health challenge and crisis of her life. The cancer is severe enough that it is affecting her career sustainability and her ability to work full-time, as she normally would.

We are humbly and urgently asking those who know and love Melissa, or simply understand the tremendous emotional and financial burden that comes with a diagnosis of cancer, to assist her by contributing to the relief fund at the following GoFundMe link:

https://gofund.me/5167f528

Melissa can easily and without hesitation be described as one of the most happy, kind-hearted, and helpful people you will ever meet. I have learned that Melissa is a fighter and would probably prefer to just "tough it out". However, there are many of you, like me, who knows that no one should have to endure their cancer challenges alone,

Melissa really should not be working at all right now. Instead, she is finding the strength to muster a smile as she courageously and bravely presses through physical pain and the effects of cancer-related medication and treatments. All this, while supporting a daughter in college. I think we can all agree that Melissa is doing her absolute best to provide for herself and her family.

Your contributions will give Melissa the ability to focus more intensely on getting better and minimize the undue stress which works against her recovery and well being.”