Melissa Solis

I am a registered nurse with over a decade of experience, devoted to caring for others and making a difference in my community. I am a mother to eleven children in a blended family—the youngest is eleven years old—and their love, energy, and resilience lift me up every day. My friends, chosen family, and community supporters are an essential thread in my life, offering encouragement, practical help, and a listening ear whenever I need it. Together, they form a circle of care that sustains me through every challenge and celebration.

My Cancer Journey

Before my diagnosis, I began a personal fitness journey with the unwavering support of my oldest son, who is a fitness trainer. Together we watched transformation unfold: I went from 228 pounds to 178 pounds in seven months, a testament to perseverance, discipline, and hope. The sauna and other wellness tools became a sanctuary for both body and mind, offering relief, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Now, as I navigate chemotherapy, I’m acutely aware of the need to protect myself from germs and to honor my body’s healing process. The path is different this time—more mindful, more delicate—but the drive to stay active, to nurture my mental health, and to keep shining for my family remains unwavering. My friends play a pivotal role in this journey, showing up with meals, rides, words of encouragement, and a practical readiness to lend a hand whenever needed.

My Wish

My wish is simple in its beauty: a sauna and a vibration plate for my home. These tools would allow me to continue pursuing fitness and mental well-being in a safe, low-germ environment during treatment. They would be a lifeline that supports my ongoing journey toward health, resilience, and joy, even as cancer challenges my strength. With the support of my family, my son who trains others for a living, my close friends, and my healthcare team, I want to maintain the momentum I’ve built and adapt it to my current needs, proving that progress is possible at every stage of life and health. The thought of having this wish granted fills me with a deep sense of hope, gratitude, and calm. I imagine waking each day with renewed energy, a clear mind, and the reassurance that I am investing in my healing and long-term well-being. It would be a tangible affirmation that even in the face of cancer, life can continue to move forward with strength, dignity, and joy.

Impact

This wish would reach far beyond personal convenience. It would empower me to maintain a consistent fitness routine at home, a cornerstone of my physical health and mental clarity during chemotherapy. It would offer a low-risk way to stay active, aiding recovery while reducing exposure to germs. For my family, witnessing my ongoing commitment to self-care and fitness through a difficult journey will be a beacon of resilience and hope for our blended family. It would show my children and my friends that life continues with strength, purpose, and joy even in the face of cancer, and it would bring our household a sense of calm, motivation, and unity. Knowing this wish could be granted would bring a profound sense of peace and renewed purpose, a daily reminder that we are in this together and that healing can be a shared, hopeful journey.