Who We Are
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A Word From Our Founder:
My life drastically changed on February 22, 2007. I was told I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that affects ones lymph nodes. I had no idea the tough road that was ahead of me. In hindsight, I’m thankful I didn’t know, as I may have given up the fight earlier. I won’t sugarcoat my experience; it was pretty awful and scary most of the time. My family and friends rallied around me, as I spent that year in bed or in the hospital. During treatment, I thought about patients who weren't as blessed as me. How did they manage their everyday chores, meal preparation, laundry, and yard work? What happened if someone was alone, a single parent or family lived in another state? I made a deal with God; once He made me well, I would make it my personal mission to assist others. In 2009, just as my body was getting over the chemotherapy, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, unrelated to the Hodgkin's. I had brain surgery to remove tumor and back to bed I went. I never forgot my promise. In 2010, I started HELPtouchHEAL in the effort to give back and assist others. I continue to make good on my promise. Battling cancer is no easy fete and additional support gives patients the will to live when the days are hard and dark. 2012, the cancer came back in multiple places in my body. However, I’m a tough cookie! Cancer is back in remission and we fight on yet another day. Melanie Douglas Founder and President Melanie is an International Trade Compliance Manager for the last 12 years, for several fortune 500 companies. Melanie also has an extensive professional background in Operations as well as Event Planning Management. Prior to Melanie’s medical challenges, she was actively involved in philanthropic and charitable activities. She served on the board of New Covenant House Soup Kitchen in Stamford, CT. In addition to a being a board member, she also served the community at New Covenant House preparing and serving meals. Melanie volunteered at the women’s shelter in Norwalk, CT, several Special Olympic golf tournaments, participated in and orchestrated local teams for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Melanie is an ordained Minister who serves as Spiritual Adviser, providing pastoral counseling. Additionally, she is a Transformation Specialist, assisting terminally ill patients, caregivers and their family navigate the illness. She encourages the terminal ill to accept the diagnosis but be inspired by the prognosis! Melanie beat her multiple diagnosis and so can you. Melanie has appeared in Style and Vibe magazine, CT Post, The Stratford Patch and The Advocate newspapers. She has also made guest appearances on the Oprah Winfrey show, CT Style-WTNH and the Melissa Harry-Perry show on MSNBC. Melanie resides with her children in Connecticut Content copyright of HELPtouchHEAL. All rights reserved 2018. |