Dear Friends, Families, and Kind Strangers,

We are reaching out to ask for your support for Melissa - a beloved mother, aunt, sister, friend, and “Ooma” to many. Last October Melissa received the devastating diagnosis of a rare, aggressive form of Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma (Stage 4 - AITL). Despite this overwhelming news, she is facing this with courage, resilience and hope.

Melissa is a kind-hearted, inspirational woman who has always been willing to lend a helping hand. She is known for her infectious energy, boundless compassion and unwavering support for her community. As a Steering Committee member of the Addison County Chapter of 100 Women Who Care, Melissa strives to give back in a meaningful way. As an educator in a rural community of Vermont, Melissa’s career is helping children with special needs but unfortunately she has been unable to work since her diagnosis. After the diagnosis, Melissa must look back to her community for a helping hand during formidable times.

Life changed drastically for Melissa and her family when she received the diagnosis. Due to the rarity and aggressiveness of her cancer, Melissa is undergoing an intensive treatment plan that requires weekly trips and month-long stays at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Over the past 6 months, Melissa has undergone 6 rounds of chemotherapy. She now starts a second clinical trial, and another long stretch of travel. If the next stretch of treatment proves effective, Melissa will need to continue to an additional bone marrow treatment that will further suspend her return to the classroom.

The mounting medical expenses, including treatment costs, medication, and travel to appointments are overwhelming.

Every donation will go directly towards:

We understand that times are tough for many, and any amount - big or small - is deeply appreciated. Even if you can’t donate, sharing this page with others would mean the world to us. Your words of encouragement, prayers, love and support give Melissa the strength to keep fighting.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with Melissa during this time. You never imagine something like this will impact your family - until it does. Melissa is already determined to kick cancer’s ass and with your help we can give her the chance to do it!

"Though she be but little, she is fierce."

With love and gratitude,

Melissa’s Loved Ones