Stand with Melisa and Adam: A Nurse's Fight
Donation protected
My name is Ruta and I am a friend of Melisa. Our friendship began many years ago during our very first nursing school course.
Melisa is preparing to start chemo again after learning her ovarian cancer has returned — this time in her liver. This follows a long and painful medical journey: she was first diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2021, then shortly after with Stage 3B ovarian cancer, which required an extensive 8-hour surgery and chemo.
Since then, she's undergone five colon stricture dilations in 2023, and most recently, a major abdominal surgery in June 2024 due to a fistula, resulting in an ileostomy.
As a nurse, Melisa has spent her career caring for others — now she and her husband, Adam, need our help. She'll be working in a limited capacity during chemo, so your support will help ease the load with medical bills, ostomy supplies, groceries, and services like laundry and home care.
If you can give or share, it means the world.
Follow her journey here: Melisa's Good Life on YouTube
Money raised will cover these expenses and help reduce the financial burden. It's time we rally together and support Melisa, Adam, and their pups!
Any tangible items are appreciated!
Organizer and beneficiary
Ruta Cha
Organizer
Winfield, IL
Melisa Rivera
Beneficiary