Melissa Commits to Conquer Cancer

It is absolutely heartbreaking to update Melissa's story.  This was not the plan.  Although she's been fighting cancer for six years, this was all too sudden and we were just not ready to say goodbye.  

Melissa passed away peacefully, March 7, 2018 surrounded by her family in her home.  

However, this is God's plan and we have to trust in Him.  In her last days, Melissa confided in Brian that she was not scared of what was ahead.  Her trust in God was strong and steady. 


The outpouring of love  throughout her journey is evidence of the extrodinary impact Melissa has had on this earth.  As she looks over us now from heaven, she continues to bring goodness to us through all the lives she touched.  

The goal of this gofundme has altered now.  It  was started as a bridge to help save Melissa's life.  Now,  the goal is to support Brian and Henry and give them hope in their time of need and uncertainty.  


Please honor Melissa's spirit through acts of kindness, compassion, and bringing goodness to others.  Melissa lives on with us through our actions.  We will teach Henry  what an incredible woman his mother was and how she made a difference in this world.
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Kicking Cancer for a Second Time...

Melissa is an incredible mother, wife, friend, sister, daughter,  Godmother, role model, dog lover of two, a follower of God. 


Melissa's Reality November 2017:  
Melissa is on medical leave with stage 4 cancer.  She is currently working in tandum with her oncologist and a naturopath doctor. She is scheduled for chemotherapy once a week and natural infusions twice a week.  Naturopath is not covered by insurance and has no payment plan.  Each infusion costs over $300, in addition to many other medical/cancer related costs.  The duration of her treatment plans are infinite at this point.  Any monetary donation to relieve the stress for the Zahn family will help Melissa stay focused on fighting for her life and bringing some normalcy to her family.  Continued prayers and love are encouraged!
Follow her story at www.committoconquer.com

Melissa's History:
Part 1: At age 27, Melissa was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in 2011.  She chose to do a double mastectomy with reconstruction.  Melissa had four rounds of chemo and two years of tamoxifen: an anti-estrogen pill to eliminate the chances of it coming back.  All appeared good and the oncologist said that after two years if all was good she could come off the tamoxifen and start talking about having kids.

Melissa and her husband, Brian.  Weeks prior to them finding out Melissa has cancer.

Melissa and her husband, Brian. Fighting the fight with love, positivity, and prayer. 

Part 2:  In 2014, Melissa scheduled the appointment with an oncologist to discuss coming off medication and the possibility of kids.  She completed a PET scan.  Results showed a lymph node underneath her sternum was hot on the scan along with a new small spot on her liver.  Biopsy showed the lymph node was the same kind of cancer as before.  
Melissa with loved ones.  She thrives off the support system that has developed.  An outpouring of love and support for a very deserving woman.

Melissa began working with the Mayo Clinic as well and developed a plan.  Anti-estrogen medication injections, radiation to remove the spot on her lymph node and a liver ablation to remove those spots .  Hormone therapy would be ongoing.

As Melissa's journey continued, she was feeling great.  A gestational carrier honored Melissa in carrying the Zahn's embroyos whom were froze prior to Melissa's treatments.  The Zahn's were expecting and due January, 2016!  However, in 2015, a PET scan revealed two new small spots on her liver and a couple swollen lymph nodes in her belly.

"Cancer has changed who I am and my path a little bit, but it doesn't have to change our dreams."  - Melissa Zahn

Henry Gerald was born January 2016.  He has given her another reason to fight.  He is an amazing, adorable blessing that brings smiles to all that meet him.  Click here to see Henry!  Throughout this time, Melissa has continued various medications prescribed by her team of oncologists.   

Brian and Melissa were blessed with another gestational carrier volunteer and are currently going through the process of expanding their family.

Her strong faith has been an underlying strength throughout this journey.  Melissa has also enthusiastically added an emphasis on nutrition and exercise.  She has beat the odds and continued to touch others' lives with her strength and abilities.   This brings us to the current reality with her two treatment plans in place.  Please consider donating to a very deserving strong, young woman.  
Follow her story at www.committoconquer.com

"Workout this morning...feels so good to move! Can’t ponytail what’s left so a cute headband works ... #hardlyanyhair"
-Melissa Zahn