Stand with Jennifer: Facing Cancer Together

Hey y'all, I'm Rev. Elise T. Stringer, Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Greer, SC. I have been the Pastor at Redeemer for 6.5 years, and in ministry 20 years.

I am starting this GoFundMe Account for one of my parishioners and her husband, Jennifer and Brian Melegari.

On September 11, 2023, Jennifer was diagnosed with Stage 2A breast cancer, with 9 of 12 lymph nodes positive. She went through Chemotherapy, Radiation and a complete right side Mastectomy with lymph node dissection. It was successful and Jennifer and Brian believed she was well on her way to remission.

On March 23, 2025, Jennifer had a scan, after having back pain for a short period of time, and was diagnosed with Stage 4 Triple Negative Metastatic Right Breast Cancer to Lumbar Spine, with L2 Compression Fracture. She had emergency surgery to resect a tumor from L2 and free the nerve from a possibly paralyzing situation. The surgery was successful, but Jennifer is still in great pain, and the cancer remains in the spine. Doctors are saying Prognosis is 2-5 years with the suggested aggressive treatment. We will have all the medicine and treatment plan early next week and will update here.

During the two years of treatment for the breast cancer, Jennifer continued to work full time at a Restaurant; she was also a former Nurse Practitioner full time. Her husband Brian continued to run his own Construction business full time. Brian has since retired, due to severe back problems, and also requires back surgery in May. Neither of them are able to work at this time.

The out of pocket expenses for Jennifer's medication and treatments are insurmountable at this time. They are not asking us for help, I stepped up and offered the help. Jennifer and Brian are gracious, loving people who are always willing to help others. As their Church family, I thought we could begin this effort and share it with anyone and everyone we know, and offer any help possible to these beautiful people.

Thank you for your love and care, and anything you can give to help Jennifer and Brian. But whether you can give anything monetarily or not, the most important thing we ask is that you pray with and for Jennifer and Brian. THANK YOU for STANDING WITH JENNIFER AND FACING CANCER TOGETHER. No one should walk alone.

The Prophet Jeremiah says in the Book of Lamentations, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

With love, hope and gratitude,

Pastor Elise T. Stringer