Melanie the Miracle
Melanie truly is a miracle of God. At age 15, she was diagnosed with CML (Chronic Myelogenous luekemia). CML is rare in children and it accounts for less than 5 percent of childhood cancer. It normally affects persons between the ages of 40 and 60. Melanie was hospitalized near death. She forged forward despite all odds. Melanie has battled this disease for two and a half years and she is winning! She was home schooled for a few months after being released from the hospital where she stayed for almost a year. Mel is one of five siblings, all girls, one of whom God sent as her donor. Although Melissa lives in Philadelphia, she is taking time out of her busy life and schedule to be a great inspiration to Mel, who had a stem cell transplant in August. Mel attended Lancaster High School. One of our fears was that she would receive the transplant at a time that would prevent her from graduating with her class. However, she was able to take breaks and naps at school, allowing her to stay in school the entire senior year and graduate with her class. Mel has always said, "Pop, I will just live one day at a time and I will get through it." Mel and her family know it is possible by the grace of God.
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