Support Melissa Radatz’s fight with Cancer

Update: As many of you know, back in November 2023 Melissa was diagnosed with Stage 3 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus. Anal cancer is a rare and aggressive form of cancer. It is fast and aggressive. 

For 35 days through out January and part of February she received very aggressive chemo and radiation. The hope was that no other action would be needed. She returned home to Corpus to heal and recover. 

She returned to Houston on May 24th for what they hoped would be a temporary colostomy surgery. 

In the last few weeks Melissa began experiencing intense anal pain again. She returned to Houston for an exploratory procedure on July 2nd. Unfortunately they discovered that her cancer had returned with another super fast growing tumor. 

Melissa will return to Houston in 3-4 weeks to have major surgery to remove her rectum, anus, and all surrounding tissue. This surgery will include reconstructive surgery. She will remain in the hospital to recover for 10 days to 2 weeks. Then will return home for several months of recovery. 

As you can imagine, their finances are already stretched beyond their means due to medical expenses. 

Please help how you can. 

Hi, my name is Kelly Pool, I am a fellow Border Patrol wife. I met Melissa and family while living in Del Rio and homeschooling together.

Anyone who knows Melissa knows that she is a little bit crazy, a little loud, but has a heart the size of Texas and has likely helped you or your family in some way. However, Melissa and Dan are the last people who would ask for help in return. Unfortunately, life has thrown them a curve ball that they never would have expected.

On November 12, 2023 Melissa was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form Stage 3 Squamous Cell Carcinoma. 

Melissa started exploring treatment options close to home in Corpus Christi, Texas as Dan is now stationed at the Kingsville Border Patrol Station. However due to the rare nature of this cancer it has become clear that the best chance of beating this cancer will come from her being treated by the best of the best at MD Anderson Colo-Rectal Center in Houston, Texas.

The treatment for this cancer is an aggressive 1-2 punch of chemo and radiation. She will begin daily chemo and radiation treatments on January 2, 2024 in Houston. For those non-Texans who love Melissa and family; Houston is approximately a 3.5 hour drive from their home. She will be required to remain in Houston as an out patient for about 7 weeks. As you can imagine, these expenses are going to add up fast. This is where they are humbly asking for any help you may be able to provide.

These funds will go towards short term housing expenses, food, and gas for travel, as well as any other unforeseen expenses related to her care.

If you are a fellow Border Patrol family, Dan will also be participating in the Leave Donation Program so that is another way you could help.

If you would rather donate via CashApp that is an option as well.

Above all else, please pray for Melissa, Dan, and the kids as they navigate this journey together.