Melissa Waller
Hi! My name is Melissa Waller. I am 31 years old and live in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. I am originally from the Seattle area (specifically Bellevue, WA) and consider my hometown to be Park City, UT where most of my family currently resides. I grew up in a very athletic, adventurous, and outdoorsy family. I am thankful everyday that growing up I had the opportunity to try many different sports, social activities, traveling, and to be part of many community related organizations. My mother always use to say, "a well rounded person needs to participate in something for their mind, body, spirit, as well as have a strong sense of community". I think this is something that stuck with me through the years into adulthood and continues to challenge me to have an open mind towards activities, events, people, and places. I have always enjoyed participating in athletic activities including: completing marathons, hiking to the tips of distant mountains, and of course booze cruises (sorry, had to throw that it). I also thrive when I am a part of networking groups and non profit organizations. In fact, many of my good friends I have met originated through these avenues. Many of my friends and family will tell you I am a fireball. I am always up for a challenge, have a zest for life, and the first in line when it comes to a good time. I'm sure they could also tell you that I love my wine, entertaining, and eating fabulous food with friends and family! In early February 2009, I was diagnosed with stage 4 Adenocarcinoma (non small cell lung cancer). It is an extremely deadly disease and there is no cure. The cancer has metastasized to my bones, so at this point radiation and an operation is not an option. I will be going through Chemo over the next months in hopes that we can stop the spread of the cancer and maybe even send it to remission. Currently I am on long term disability because of the cancer diagnosis, but I am hoping to be able to go back to work once I get a feel for how my body reacts to the chemo long term. I have been employed by Belo (KTVK, KASW) as an Interactive Development Sales Manager for almost 7 years and have made a great deal of friends and connections throughout my time there. I miss my colleagues and even the challenges and stresses of the work environment. I have to say through, everyone at work has been extremely supportive sending cards, gifts, emails, calls, and visits to the hospital. My family and friends have been absolutely amazing throughout this process. They have really stepped up to make sure that I have had support and help through this initial process. Normally, I am a very independent, self sufficient person. This cancer has completely turned my life inside out. Everyday things that defined me before are completely different. I feel like the same person, but yet at the same time I have had to challenge myself on my values, religious views, goals, and even emotional stability. I am still the same fireball and tend to give this my all. Hopefully along the way, I will still be living life in a different way continuing to do the things that were so important in shaping who I am today.
