Melissa's Cancer Journey

Hi, my name is Linda and I'm starting this GoFundMe, along with Katie (mutual buddy), in the hopes of raising money to help ease the financial burden on our dearest friend, Melissa.

Melissa and I first met as coworkers in a nail salon back in 2017. She started off as a receptionist as she worked her way through beauty school to get her manicurist license. Her life has had, and still does, many ups and downs. If I believe correctly, it took her 8 years to finally get her manicurist license because of all the obstacles life threw at her at the time!

She got married to her high school sweetheart, Joseph, in 2019. Unfortunately, their wish to eventually start a family would no longer be possible. Melissa was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in late 2020 at the age of 29. She and her husband have been fighting this for almost three years now and I can only imagine the hardships they face. She's had multiple surgeries to remove tumors (biggest being 15 pounds) and had to have a complete hysterectomy. Not to mention the countless medications and chemo treatments she regularly has to endure in order to keep her condition under control and the numerous emergency hospital visits as a result from her intense treatments. Her doctors, along with everyone she knows, are undeniably amazed at her strength and progress in her cancer journey.

Doctors gave her a prognosis of 3-5 years. As we near her third year since her diagnosis, Melissa just recently shared with her loved ones that her cancer levels has gone up and yet again has to add on another chemo treatment on top of what she's already going through. This one could potentially affect her vision.

Since I've known her, all Melissa ever wanted was to focus on her passion as a manicurist. She's one of the most giving, caring, and kindhearted persons you could probably meet. Stories like these begs the question - why is it always the person you'd think that least deserves any of this?

Thankfully, Joseph's medical insurance has been able to let Melissa get the treatments and medications she needs. However, they still have to come out of pocket with costs. Melissa and Joseph are working extremely HARD to keep up with medical bills and ensure that she can get the treatments she needs. Doctors advised her to take it easy and rest, but Melissa refuses to let cancer take the fun out of her life. She works out three times a day, eats clean, takes care of her husband, visits new places, and works part time to keep in touch with her clients that she's known for years. Not only is working a form of normalcy for her, but also a means for her to bring in whatever income she can to help her husband with bills.

Melissa is not one to ever ask anyone for help, especially in this manner. But she deserves this. 100% of donations will go straight to her and I really hope we can provide her with enough so she can take the time she needs to fully take care of herself and not worry about money. If possible, let's help ease finances for Melissa and her husband. Any amount is greatly appreciated and if circumstances can't allow for a donation, please feel free to share Melissa's story

Thank you so much in advance !