Melissa Higgins is a devoted mom from Merrick with two wonderful daughters, Ariel and Madison. She just turned 50 this year, marking a milestone she hoped to celebrate with her family. In July 2024, Melissa received the life-changing diagnosis of stage IV colorectal cancer. Since then, she has shown incredible strength and resilience, facing every challenge with hope and determination. Now, Melissa has been given a new opportunity—she’s been accepted into a clinical trial at MD Anderson in Texas, and she leaves Monday to begin this next chapter in her fight.

This journey comes with many unexpected expenses. The funds raised here will help cover the cost of travel, housing, and treatment-related needs, allowing Melissa to focus fully on healing and spending precious time with her girls. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference in supporting Melissa and her family through this critical time.

I’m asking for your help. If you can donate or even just share this fundraiser, it would mean everything to Melissa and our family. Your kindness and support will help give Melissa the best chance at recovery and more moments with her daughters. Thank you so much for standing with us.

Melissa has given me permission to share her story and organize this fundraiser on her behalf.

Funds will be managed by me, her cousin, and used directly to support her housing, travel, and treatment-related expenses during her time at MD Anderson.

Please do not hesitate to give what you can. Anything helps .