Melissa Rivard underwent surgery for 5 ½ hrs to remove a tumor in the right frontal lobe of the brain. Results indicated the tumor was malignant, Secondary Glioblastoma. After 4 ½ yrs of remission on July 21, 2014, Melissa once again underwent surgery to remove a small mass in the left frontal lobe of the brain along with the edema associated with it. Surgery was expected to be longer than the first, due to the complex tumor but after 2 ½ hrs, the surgeon came out with disappointing news. He informed us that he was able to reduce the edema and remove most of the mass. Melissa’s cancer returned aggressively this time. The tumor is innervated in her brain. She also has a small mass on her right side of her brain that is inoperable. There is high hope that with chemotherapy and a small dose of radiation therapy the aggression of the cancer can be controlled and the size of the remaining tumors can be reduced.

Melissa is a resident of Leominister, MA and is 26 years old, She’s a mother of 3 wonderful boys. Her 2 oldest son have Autism. She’s a loving daughter, great sister and amazing wife. She has the strength and will to fight this battle stating, in reference to cancer, “IF I KICK HIS ASS THE FIRST TIME I WILL DO IT AGAIN!” With support of friends and family, our goal is to help her, make it happen!

As of 6/17/2015 Melissa's last MRI shows her cancer is progressing slowly. The MRI also shows 2 more spots which gives a total of 4. Melissa started on another type of chemotherapy which required a port to be put in her body to receive the medication for the chemotherapy . Avastin IV infusion every two weeks and Lomustine CCNU pills every 6 weeks. Melissa will go to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston for clinical trial meds if this doesn't help slow the growth of the cancer.

This fundraiser is to help raise money for Melissa and her family to help pay medical bills and to help with living expenses. Please help by donating what you can and please pray for a cure.