Hi Everyone,

My name is Kristen Brannan and I am reaching out on behalf of my sister, Melaine Boeddeker. Some of you may have already heard the recent news of Melaine’s breast cancer diagnosis but for those of you who have not, her story is below. Because of your thoughts and prayers, Melaine has successfully completed her second round of Chemotherapy and aside from dealing with much fatigue, seems to be getting her energy back slowly.

Many of you have asked about ways you can help Kyle and Mel as they begin this difficult journey. The meals, flowers, cards, gifts, texts, emails, thoughts, prayers, help and support are so appreciated by Kyle and Mel and we can't thank you enough.

Melaine has an incredible team of doctors and specialists and all treatments have been put into place. This special group of people are taking great care of our sister. We are blessed and thankful for each of them. With this specialized care and Melaine’s unique condition will come many medical bills and the possibility for some specialized medicines, etc to continue to help her fight this battle. I have set up this page on Go Fund Me so that Kyle and Mel may be able to put their focus more on getting Melaine healthy and strong and not have to worry about monetary issues as they arise.

Thank you so much in advance for your donation, love and support of our family. We feel your love and compassion and appreciate your generosity during these difficult times.

Sincerely,

Kristen Brannan

Melaine's Story

Life Update

When we decide to share life updates most of the time they are funny, cute, uplifting and let’s be real only the positive things happening in one’s life. I’m a fairly private person, but like to give updates on the kids, trips and such. This life update is difficult for me to share, simply because I just want to keep it within my circle, and I know that isn’t realistic. I’ve learned that isn’t helpful for my processing and acceptance.

So here goes… my “quick” update…The end of January I found a lump in my breast. The end of February I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The beginning of March, I was told it was triple negative, grade 3, stage 2b and aggressive treatment was required. Was then told I have the BRCA mutation, that a double mastectomy and hysterectomy are required. March 21st I had my first chemo treatment. This will follow with double chemo treatments (16 total) every other week, over 8 appointments. Chemo should be completed at the end of June. As you can imagine this was a shock. All the thoughts of “don’t we deal with enough”…. “don’t we have enough trauma with Hudson” and the ever so common, and likely what you are thinking now “what the actual F*ck”. Life doesn’t let up, and even though my family has been through a lot, hard things won’t stop being thrown in our direction. We know exactly what taking things head on means and we do it together. I just didn’t expect this.

I have a wonderful team of doctors and specialists; we have all treatments in place and have started moving forward. I'm fortunate enough to work for a company and team who have always supported me, and there is no shortage of that right now. I’m continuing to work because I want to. It’s providing a normalcy I need right now but support is in place when it’s needed. I know this is going to be a long hard year, but with the love and support of family and friends we will get through it. I’m still moving through the emotions of it all. I haven’t reached that feeling of “let’s kick some cancer ass”, but I am getting there. A friend said to me, you’re giving up one year of your life, to get the rest of your life back.

Our family has created a CaringBridge site, which will provide updates as we move along, you can google my name and it’ll come up. For those who will ask, there are links within Caring Bridge that offer additional support needs. Thank you for your prayers and love. We always feel them with Hudson and need them now.