In the summer of 2019, Melanie started having headaches.
Her mom, Jessica, thought she might need glasses. But the eye doctor saw something concerning about Melanie’s optic nerve.
![St. Jude patient Melanie being hugged by her mom.](/content/sites/www/en_US/home/about-st-jude/stories/meet-our-patients/meet-melanie/jcr:content/par-1/cnt_row_copy_1784371/par-1/cnt_column/par-1/cnt_image_copy_42527.img.16.medium.jpg/1658778162259.jpg)
Melanie and her mom, Jessica
Tests soon revealed she had a type of brain cancer called pineoblastoma.
Her doctor referred to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Families, like Melanie's, will never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
![St. Jude patient Melanie smiling.](/content/sites/www/en_US/home/about-st-jude/stories/meet-our-patients/meet-melanie/jcr:content/par-1/cnt_row_copy_1508516/par-1/cnt_column_copy_copy/par-1/cnt_image_copy_19891.img.16.medium.jpg/1658805748870.jpg)
Melanie arrived at St. Jude in early 2020 and her current treatment includes both chemotherapy and proton therapy.
She was a vibrant girl with a ready and an engaging smile.
![St. Jude patient Melanie with heart cut outs.](/content/sites/www/en_US/home/about-st-jude/stories/meet-our-patients/meet-melanie/jcr:content/par-1/cnt_row_copy_1508516/par-1/cnt_column_1357744913/par-1/cnt_image_copy_copy.img.16.medium.jpg/1658804952205.jpg)
She has what I call a ‘God Light.’ There’s just something about Melanie that draws people to her.
Editor's note: We regret to inform you that Melanie passed away from cancer in July 2022.
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