Friends, thankfully it is not too often I come to write about a family in need. However, when I heard about another challenging situation for the Mele family, there was no way I couldn't speak up.
I first met Eric Mele 10+ years ago when we were paired together in a "celebrity" golf tournament. God knew what he was doing that day. He gave me a glimpse into the Mele family.
Eric is humble, funny, smart, hardworking and driven. "All I know is I love to coach and invest in young people and it is great for my family to be around the players, seeing what I do."
Coach Mele is from New Jersey but many, many years ago he recognized the genius that was Mike Leach. Mele reached out to Leach about working for him and through persistence, got his opportunity. The two worked together for over 10 years at both Washington State and Mississippi State.
I stayed in touch with Mele over the years and more often than not he would give me life updates on his wife and four beautiful daughters.
After coach Leach passed away, Mele's next opportunity came with Mack Brown at North Carolina. While in North Carolina, tragedy struck and the Mele's oldest daughter, Samantha, was called to Heaven.
Eric spent this past season on Bob Chesney's staff at JMU.
This past week, the Meles received gut wrenching news again. Their youngest daughter, Maddie - 11, has Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) which will require five to six months of treatment.
Eric told me, "Maddie is tough as nails. She'll beat this."
Knowing the Meles, I have no doubt.
A family friend created a GoFundMe that explains a bit more about the situation. Your prayers and your support are greatly appreciated by all.
Thank you.
From the GoFundMe:
This week, the Mele family received news no parent should ever have to hear. After a biopsy, doctors confirmed that 11-year-old Maddie Mele has been diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL), a rare, aggressive type of non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoma.
Maddie is the sweetest soul. She is loving, kind, and full of light. An incredible gymnast and a rising and talented softball player, she shows strength, focus, and determination well beyond her years. As the baby sister, she fills every room with laughter, energy, and joy. She has always had a way of lifting others up without even realizing it.
Now, she faces a fight no child should have to endure.
Her parents, Melissa and Eric, along with her sisters Taylor and Jordan, are walking through this unimaginable season with courage and faith. We also know that big sister Samantha is watching over Maddie as her guardian angel, surrounding her with strength and protection from above.
The days ahead will be filled with appointments, treatments, travel, and many unknowns. While Maddie focuses on healing, her family will be doing everything they can to stand beside her every step of the way.
We are asking for your support to help ease the financial burden during this difficult time. Funds raised will go directly to Maddie’s family to help cover medical bills, travel expenses, meals, and the many unexpected costs that come with treatment. Most importantly, this support will allow her family to focus on what matters most, being present with Maddie.
We believe in the power of prayer, community, and unwavering faith. We trust that God walks with us even in the darkest valleys, and we know that Maddie is surrounded by love beyond measure.
If you are able to give, any amount makes a difference. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page and lifting Maddie and her family up in prayer.
Maddie is strong. She is brave. And she will not fight this battle alone.