Support Michaella & AJ After Mom's Cancer Battle

It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Melanie Hogan—a loving mother and friend—who lost her brave battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer early Monday morning.

Melanie’s daughter, Michaella, was her full-time caregiver in her final weeks, setting aside work and daily life to make sure her mom was surrounded by love, dignity, and care. The emotional and financial toll has been profound, and now Michaella and her brother AJ are navigating not only the deep grief of losing their mom, but the burden of end-of-life expenses as well.

Here are Michaella’s own words about her mother:

“It’s with an extremely heavy heart that I share my beautiful momma, Melanie Hogan, passed away early Monday morning from her battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

There are no words that can fully capture the grief I feel with this loss or to express how much she meant to me.

My mom’s and I relationship was never perfect. It had many ups and downs but through it all I could always count on the fact that she loved me and my brother AJ, unconditionally.

Losing her feels like I’ve lost part of myself.

She was the strongest, most resilient woman I’ve ever known. Her humor would light up a room, even up to her final days.

Right now, my heart is shattered, but I also hold deep gratitude for the trust she put in me to take care of her these last few weeks. Knowing she is no longer suffering in pain brings me a little peace amongst the heartbreak.

Rest easy momma, you put up one hell of a fight. I love you more, forever.”

Michaella and AJ will be holding a memorial for Melanie on July 26th, 2025 at 2pm at Darcy’s in Spokane Valley. More details will be shared soon.

Michaella's dad and I are asking for your help to raise funds that will go toward funeral and memorial expenses, as well as helping Michaella recover some of the income she lost while caring for her mom. If you are able, any donation—no matter the amount—will make a difference. And if you can’t give financially, please consider sharing this page with others.

Thank you for standing with Michaella and AJ during this deeply difficult time. Your support means more than words can say.