Introduction to Melissa

We (Melissa, Maggie & Steve) decided to create this blog to share Melissa's new journey with family and friends.  Melissa has recently received the diagnosis of Stage Four Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  As you can imagine we are all still in complete shock.  Melissa's world has been turned upside down.  It's a true rollercoaster, with highs and lows.  Even with this bump in the road, my daughter manages to be upbeat and positive.  Her faith is so unbelievablly strong. 
"I'm going to beat this, Mom, I'm GOING to beat this" is what Melissa is always saying. :-)
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Now let me tell you a little bit about our amazing daughter...


Melissa is a busy, bubbly and energetic 25 years old and is in her second year of teaching kindergarten at Squire John Thomas Elementary School.

• She attends graduate school on Tuesday evenings, working towards her Masters Degree.
• Melissa works part time on the weekends at the Market Basket.
• And she runs, lifts weights and has a daily workout regimen.
• In her spare time, she socializes with many friends and shops with her mom!

The staff at her school, which is in the Gretna Public School District, have been fabulous! Her Principal and Kindergarten team, along with many others are being so kind to her! They are helping with the classroom needs and lessons! Her chemo treatments will be every other Friday. She will have a sub on Friday, Monday and Tuesday of those particular weeks. If she does not need the sub on Monday or Tuesday, then the sub will easily be cancelled.


Melissa has been living out on her own for almost two years and has decided it would be best to move back home! Not sure if she is excited to have us as roommates, but we'll make it work!
As we speak, Steve, Matt and friends are moving her furniture. Steve and I, my sisters and friends will pack up the rest of her stuff! We are in no hurry! We will pack up and move things during the days while Melissa is teaching.


Since ALL of you are a part of our family, we want to keep you updated on Melissa's journey as much as possible.  However, feel free to continue to call us ANYTIME, as personal communication is still important and comforting to us.
It is our goal to keep you informed on details relating to Melissa. 
We welcome your support and prayers as we all join Melissa on her journey forward. 
She is not alone!