On 8/20/25 Melanie Leonard was diagnosed with Stage 2a Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer.  It is grade 2, which means it is moderately aggressive.  She will be facing a tough 6 month long chemotherapy regimen, along with 12 months of immunotherapy followed by a double mastectomy.  

Melanie and Dan will be facing some financial hurdles and undue stress for the next year.  We would like to take as much of the burden off of them as we can through this time.  Even with insurance, they still have some hefty out-of-pocket maximums to meet.  And this will repeat in 2026 as her treatment will last well into the next year and insurance starts over.

Melanie will be having some procedures soon, such as a PET scan and PD-L1 testing.  Insurance typically doesn’t cover it in this phase of her treatment, but her surgeon is wanting to make certain there is no metastasis any where else and that the best and safest meds are given to her. This will also help insure she has the best possible treatment plan and care.  The funds raised will also help with any other unexpected expenses and related bills that may arise, including items that will help make this difficult journey as easy and comfortable for her as possible.

Melanie is a 45 year old wife, mother to 3, and NaeNae to 7 grandkids.  She is a registered nurse and currently works at our local high school as the Health Science Instructor.  She teaches A&P, Med Term, Principles, & Phlebotomy.  She plans to work as much as she can during her treatments, but if she is unable, the money raised will help if she has to be out of work and on disability.

Dan and Melanie have blessed and served others and the community in different capacities over the years, and often doing so anonymously.  Melanie is also an EMT-B and has previously volunteered for EMS at the Grapeland Volunteer Fire Department.  They are strong believers in Christ and enjoy paying it forward by blessing others.  This is a testament to their belief in His faithfulness that God will always make a way even when there seems to be none.  

They fully believe in God’s will and His healing on earth and in heaven.  We cannot wait to see what the Lord is going to do through her with the testimony that is being created by our Great Physician.

Please consider joining as we rally together and support them through this difficult time.  If you cannot donate, we ask that you pray for Melanie & Dan as she begins her fight against breast cancer.  Thank you all for the prayers and support! God bless you all!