Melissa Close was diagnosed with Stage 3C inoperable cervical cancer on November 11, 2020, just days after her 33rd birthday. She is an EMT for Niagara Hospice and a volunteer EMT/Firefighter for Ransomville Volunteer Fire Company who sincerely cares about people and her community. Melissa has a team of wonderful physicians at Roswell Park and began treatment in December 2020. She has undergone multiple chemotherapy infusions and radiation treatments. Unfortunately, the first plan of attack only shrunk the tumor by half and didn't stop its spread. In mid-January 2021, after seeking an answer for the onset of severe pain, cancer was found in Melissa’s liver, lung and femur. At that point, a more aggressive chemotherapy combination was started. This has caused her to lose her hair, have nerve damage in her hands and feet and is limiting her mobility and endurance. Melissa would like nothing more than to get back to her job, patients and fire hall. You can learn more about Melissa over at our blog. Please consider a shirt purchase or donation to her online fundraiser!