Melina Michelle Edenfield was a brilliant, joyful, energetic and most of all, very loved four year old.
On May 22, 2020, Melina was diagnosed with Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), a deadly pediatric brain tumor. She passed away only one month and two days later on June 24, 2020. Faced with the impossible loss of their four year old daughter, the Edenfield family made a decision. To choose joy for Melina, as Melina had always chosen joy in life.
The Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation was started in her memory. Through her foundation, her family hopes that Melina can be a miracle for other families by helping to find a cure for terminal pediatric brain tumors. Currently, less than 3% of all money raised for cancer research goes towards childhood cancer. Less than 1% of those funds goes towards pediatric brain tumors. This equates to about $500 per child diagnosed. The Melina Michelle Edenfield foundation has currently raised over $600,000 for DMG research and treatment.
 Melina with her sisters, Emilea and Klara. |
The Choose Joy for Melina Event was created shortly after Melina passed away when a group of her friends wanted to do something to honor her. The event was held in their front yards. Team Joy, as they choose to call themselves, honored their friend with a giveaway table of lemon shakes, popsicles and bracelets! Last year, I had the honor of attending the second year of the event. There was cheetah print, rainbows, love and joy everywhere you looked! From the raffle baskets themed around Melina’s favorite things, to Melina’s friend’s giveaway table, this event was an amazing display of love and awareness. Through the love and joy of her family and friends, Melina’s memory will not be forgotten.
This year's event will be on Saturday, August 5th from 1130 am to 4pm on the Green in Canfield. The event promises more fun and joy in Melina's memory. There will be face painting, bounce houses, giveaways, raffles, and much more! All proceeds raised from this event go directly towards funding pediatric brain cancer research. This is an event you will not want to miss!
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Find out more about the Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation
