Support Melissa's fight against cancer

Hi, my name is Melissa. Just a few weeks ago, my life changed in a way I never could have imagined. On the way home from my dress rehearsal dinner for my wedding, I was involved in a serious car accident where I was T-boned. I was taken to the emergency room, and during imaging, doctors discovered multiple masses throughout my body — on my chest, near my heart, and in my abdomen.

The ER doctors told us they strongly suspected lymphoma and that further testing was urgently needed. Now they believe I could have undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma, or possibly both lymphoma and sarcoma. Neither of my biopsies has given definitive results yet.

Within hours, Matt and I had to walk into our own wedding carrying devastating news and so much uncertainty. Shortly after, I began seeing specialists at Vanderbilt and underwent two biopsies — and they are currently stumped.

Looking back, I had been experiencing pain and other symptoms for some time, but I believed they were related to my autoimmune disease. Over the past few weeks my condition has worsened. Simple daily tasks have become painful, and walking has become difficult. I am now preparing to begin chemotherapy and have to have a second biopsy due to other complications.

In addition to everything else, the car accident created another major financial hardship. My car was totaled, and insurance did not cover the full amount owed on the vehicle. I am now left owing money on a car I no longer have — an unexpected expense during an already overwhelming time.

The financial burden has become significant. I am currently unable to work, and while Matt continues working, adding me to his insurance has increased our monthly expenses by nearly $1,000. Between everyday bills, medical expenses related to chemotherapy and treatment, insurance costs, and the remaining balance on my totaled car, we are struggling to stay afloat.

I know my focus right now needs to be on healing, resting, and fighting this disease — not worrying about how we will make ends meet. Asking for help does not come easily to me, but we truly need support during this season.

Any donation, share, or kind word helps more than I can express. Your support will go directly toward medical expenses, insurance costs, transportation needs, and basic living expenses while I undergo treatment. Thank you for being part of our village and for helping us get through this incredibly difficult time. With love and gratitude, Melissa.