Thank you for taking the time to read this.....

My mom, Melissa Pezzolesi, is a long-time Salt Lake resident and member of both the University of Utah medical and research community and the Utah youth hockey community (my brother and I both played for years).

Melissa was diagnosed with ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease) on February 6, 2025. ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a cruel and terminal disease that takes away the ability to move, speak, eat, and eventually breathe. Life expectancy with this disease is 2 to 5 years and we are raising money to help with her care, which will eventually be around the clock.

Last summer, Melissa had mild left-hand weakness. After months of endless appointments, she was no closer to knowing what was going on with her hand. Fast-forward to February 6, 2025, when her neurologist delivered the life-changing news that she had ALS and just a few years to live. She was handed a big red folder detailing what could and will happen to her body and sent home. As we sat down that night as a family, we knew my mom was in for the biggest fight of her life.

As a scientific family (both my parents are kidney and diabetes researchers at the U), we all did our due diligence and found that in 150 years, there have been two medications that help with ALS and their help is minimal (best case they get the patient a few extra months).

My family has been devastated by this news and for months we didn’t share my mom’s diagnosis. Slowly, we have been able to process and now are willing to share our story and ask for help.

This disease will cost my family hundreds of thousands of dollars between now and the time of my mom’s passing. Your generosity will allow her to access new experimental therapies offered in other parts of the country and afford at-home care that will make her life – and the lives of our family – so much more manageable.

Additionally, 10% of your donation will go to the ALS Association, which is dedicated to finding a cure.

Thank you for considering and spread the word!