Cancer treatment for Melissa

To be blunt my best friend has cancer. Its Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma which translates to Bile Duct Cancer. To be even MORE blunt its the scary kind that will really shake you and your loved ones. Its advanced which translates to stage 4. Which is again a very scary phrase.

 

Melissa is a tough cookie as anyone who knows her knows.  For the last few years she has been tirelessly working toward her PhD in Humanities and Culture with research focusing on indigenous practices and identities.  Recently she even landed a job organizing and cataloging in Joliet!  Melissa has been out there chasing and accomplishing many of her dreams but her Cancer diagnosis has been a hugely painful and scary roadblock.  So far this diagnosis has included: 

 

Multiple biopsies

Weekly blood draws

Chemotherapy

Genetic testing

Multiple medications

A wheelchair because her body is very sick

 

 

 

 

Why would Nakama Toys, Chicago's very own nerdy, Mom & Pop toy store, ask you, a stranger to support Melissa's cancer treatment? Well we have 2 very good reasons:

 

1: Melissa is a darned nerd's, nerd. We actually became friend's through Nakama. We bonded over our collector husbands. My husband Bryan loves prints, Kaiju, Vinyl, Transformers & He-Man. Her hubby Tom loves gunpla (he only accepts Universal Century though ya'll), video gaming and table top gaming. While Tom shopped we chatted and have since become besties. Now don't mistake it, Melissa is involved in Toms builds and miniatures. Need to paint something? She's on that. Need some stickers applied? She's on that too. Melissa also loves anime, fantasy books, painting miniatures and so much more. Tom and Melissa even met through a love of D & D lore at a nerdy hobby store. (Que Romantico!)

 

2: My absolute love of this human being. Melissa is the M to my M. (Oh that's right we're M&M's). Melissa is loving and kind. When I tell people about our friendship I always say she chose me. Melissa just said, "Hey, I like you. We're going to the Field Museum," and the friendship was born. Theres nothing that makes you feel more loved and special than when someone steps up to show you you're worthy. Melissa gifted me this love and friendship.

 

A bit more about my girl. Melissa is the biggest smart-ass Ive ever met. She makes me crazy anytime we talk politics. She's opinionated and tough. That said, she's also incredibly funny. She's obsessed with comedians and is always quick with a George Carlin joke. She's also the kindest, most supportive and empathetic person I know. Melissa is everyone's mom. She'll listen to you, she'll give you advice, she'll be your cheerleader. She's the master of sneak attack hugs. I absolutely love this person....just not when we talk politics (Why must you make me crazy!?)

 

This person who means the world to me needs some help. All money raised will be used for medical bills for her treatment. She needs the support of not just her direct friends and family but of the incredibly supportive network of nerds throughout the Chicago area. If you love and support Nakama please consider supporting Melissa. We all need help sometimes and it would mean the world to Bryan, Taco and me. Don't have the cash to throw at this? Perhaps you'd consider sharing this post. Thank you in advance! We know our toy community will step up and support their fellow nerds!