Melissa Fedigan — wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, Mimi, and dear friend — was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer in March 2024. She fought hard through most of that year, enduring chemotherapy, the “Mother of All Surgeries (MOAS),” which removed her appendix, along with several other organs, along with HIPEC on July 16, and additional chemo treatments after surgery. She rang the bell and was declared NED (No Evidence of Disease) on October 23.

Unfortunately, routine tests in February 2025 revealed that the sneaky, sticky appendix cancer cells had returned. Melissa underwent more chemo treatments and was scheduled for another surgery with plans to remove her uterus, part of her bladder, more of her colon, and anything else deemed necessary—along with another round of HIPEC. However, when her surgeons went in on September 25, 2025, they discovered the cancer had spread throughout her abdominal cavity and was inoperable. They completed another colon resection and placed a colostomy bag before closing her back up.

Now, after 956 hours of chemo, one MOAS, and a second unsuccessful surgery, Western medicine has not produced the results we had all hoped for.

Given these latest developments, the family has been researching several promising treatment options for inoperable cancer. Unfortunately, many of these are located outside the United States and/or are not covered by insurance. For example, one potential treatment involves a month-long in-patient program abroad. So many family and friends have reached out asking what they can do. Until now, our answer has been to pray — and we continue to ask for those prayers. However, we are also opening the door for monetary support for Melissa and Tom as they embark on this next phase of her journey. They will need funds for medications, supplements, and treatments not covered by insurance, as well as travel expenses to reach the specialists they’ve identified.

Melissa has been a true inspiration to so many! Her positive outlook and fierce determination have shown others how to face even the most heartbreaking news with faith, courage, and love. Let’s all come together to help her continue to let her light shine.

For additional information about Melissa's story and updates, please visit Melissa's Caring Bridge. As a note, if you visit the Caring Bridge site, it might appear that you can donate there to Melissa, but the donations are for Caring Bridge and not Melissa. If you choose to donate, please do so through the GoFundMe site.