Fundraiser for Mélia Payne

Today, December 15, 2017 my sister Tiffany and brother in law Kevin received the devastating news that their 2 year old daughter Mélia has relapsed. What we know so far is that the next few days will be filled with tests, scans, blood work, a lumbar puncture and a surgery to put a new broviac into her chest. Next week will start anew with chemotherapy which means another long stay at Cheo followed by a bone marrow transplant in Toronto at Sick Kids.

This all started On August 17th, 2016 when Mélia was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia just 5 days before her 1st birthday. Tiffany, Kevin and Mélia lived at Cheo for the first 8 months of her diagnosis to undergo an aggressive chemotherapy treatment. This past spring they were discharged to outpatient status and have been trying to resume a somewhat normal life while undergoing the maintenance phase of her treatment that was set end in August 2018. The road hasn’t been easy thus far but there was light at the end of the tunnel.

Sadly with the news received today, they are going to face some financial hardship in the coming months, especially with a stay on Toronto in the near future. Any support is greatly appreciated. As they had just started back part time to their jobs, they do not qualify for EI and will now have to care for Mélia 24/7.

On behalf of the Payne family, we thank you for your support and prayers.

Please follow Mélia’s Army on Facebook for updates.