This past week, cancer hit very close to home. What unfolded was a story of love, redemption, and ultimately, peace — a testament to the incredible will of one woman: Melody “Alise” Leafty.

Nine months ago life threw Melody and her family a devastating curveball — a breast cancer diagnosis. That diagnosis led to the discovery of a rare late stage Thymoma. During the course of treatment for her Thymoma, Melody's health quickly deteriorated and she ultimately succumbed to Giant Cell Myocarditis as a complication to her chemo treatment.

After being admitted to the hospital on Tuesday October 21, Melody coded in the cath lab on Friday October 24, receiving chest compressions for 37 minutes. The extraordinary heart team at the University of Utah refused to give up on her. Through their skill, knowledge, and quick action, she came out alive — on ECMO and a ventilator, still fighting. Because that’s what she did.

In the five days that followed Melody continued to fight complications threatened to take her sooner than she was ready to go.

The “pot of gold" for Melody and her family was always walking out of the CVICU and ringing the "beat cancer" bell. Unfortunately, Melody and her family did not get this opportunity. Instead, the pot of gold was five more days — five days filled with love, family, connection, and peace.

Five days may not sound like much, but when you’ve been told you have none, it’s an eternity.

On Wednesday at 5:30 PM, surrounded by family and friends, Melody passed away peacefully.

As we grieve and prepare to celebrate Melody’s incredible life and spirit, we’re also faced with unexpected medical and memorial expenses. We’re creating this fund to help cover:

Any donation — no matter the size — will help us honor Melody’s journey and her beautiful legacy of strength, recovery, and unconditional love.

Thank you...Jason (Husband), Ariel (Daughter) and Brandon (Ex-Husband)