Organized by Melissa and Mike’s siblings: Derek Timgren - Brother of Melissa Ange Punton - Sister of Mike About Melissa • Melissa is 30 years old and has been married for almost 3 years to an incredible, supportive, and loving husband, Mike. She grew up in Newmarket and now lives in St. Catharines, Ontario. • Fitness, singing, and teaching were a huge part of Melissa’s life at age 27, before her health issues began. • Melissa was very active, energetic, and athletic. She enjoyed going to the gym every day and doing active outdoor activities/adventures like swimming, skiing, hiking, etc. • Melissa loved to sing and often led on stage at churches as well as using singing and music in her classroom. • Melissa was an elementary school French, Music, Drama and Phys. Ed. teacher and loved every minute of it. Lyme Disease • Melissa was originally diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2024 and went through almost a year of antibiotics, medications, and supplements under the care of a Lyme doctor with no improvement of symptoms. • The question of whether all her health issues are still from Lyme Disease or whether the damage Lyme has done has led to/triggered another disease or systemic issue (which is common for Lyme patients) remains. Canadian Lyme Disease patients almost always need to seek out of country care. Declining Health (since October of 2024) • Due to intense daily pain in several areas of her body, Melissa has been off work, unable to sing, and unable to live the physically active lifestyle she always enjoyed. • During much of the past 3 years, Melissa has barely spoken due to facial/head/throat related pain, and her husband Mike learned some sign language with her to help communicate. • Very simple tasks like speaking, but also walking, and other typically “normal” things are very challenging and painful for Melissa to this day. • Through all of this, Melissa has had many seasons of using a wheelchair. • Her symptoms of pain in many parts of the body have gotten worse. This, as well as nausea related symptoms have significantly affected every aspect of her life. She often says that she can’t remember what it’s like to go a day without pain. • Sleep is extremely challenging for her on a nightly basis and there have been many sleepless nights. • Melissa has seen several doctors and other healthcare professionals, tried multiple treatment plans and medications, and nothing has helped to improve her significant pain and health issues that she goes through daily. • Melissa frequently has had to wait months between specialists over these years, with her daily pain and symptoms becoming more and more debilitating and feeling beyond manageable. Desire to be Healthy & Active Again • Melissa, of course, misses regular forms of communication, her passion of singing, her active lifestyle, her career, and just being able to live a life as a healthy, young woman. • Melissa also longs to be able to be healthy to experience marriage as a young couple and the numerous aspects of everyday life that her sickness and pain take away. Unwavering Faith • Melissa couldn’t get through these terrible years of pain without her strong faith in God. She has learned so much in trusting and thanking God for her life and finding the strength to go on. Though the journey has been extremely difficult, Melissa has always trusted God with the purpose and plan He has for her life. She hopes to one day use her story to help others as they go through their own difficult battles. Family and Friends • The ongoing support, love, and prayers that family and friends have extended to Melissa and Mike have been overwhelming. They are so appreciative of the help and encouraging words that have been continuous during this very difficult and painful time. Hope in the Mayo Clinic • Melissa has seen many doctors and specialists, and each one believes that her case is more complex than their specific field of study. Several doctors have recently pointed to Mayo Clinic (Minnesota), knowing that she will be under the care of a team of doctors who will be able to work together to get to the bottom of Melissa’s case. Even though this will hopefully be the answer to all her health issues, it will come at a high cost (U.S. funds) for all the doctors/tests/treatments/accommodations, etc. The duration of the time she will be seeking treatment at the clinic as well as the total costs are unknown. Your Help is Appreciated • We, as a family, have agreed with Melissa and Mike’s decision to move forward and go to the U.S. for whatever treatment is needed to get her health back to where it once was. She is currently at the Mayo Clinic as of the last week of June and the medical expenses are already accumulating. • If you would like to contribute to Melissa’s LFEBridge to help offset the costs for appointments, tests, treatments, etc. we would be so grateful!! We truly appreciate your kindness in helping to support Melissa in this way! Thank you so very much!!!
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