This is Melanie's original fb post from May 22, 2021:

This is a post you wish you would never have to make, but here goes. This beautiful brave girl is embarking on a journey that was not part of the plan a little more than a week ago.  

Melia had been experiencing some pain in her left shoulder on and off for a couple of months which we attributed to some sort of soft tissue injury. Toward the end of that time it became more consistent and we conferred with a couple of friends who were in the medical field and they agreed that was probably the case as well. It got worse instead of better, so, I took her to the pediatrician who referred us on to an Orthopedic surgeon because she also believed it was some sort of soft tissue injury. 

Which is where the journey really begins. Melia and I went to see the specialist on Friday, May 14th. We spoke with the PA and they took Melia for an x-ray. The doctor came in and asked Melia a few questions, then showed us the x-ray and said that there was a mass on her left humorous bone that he believed was cancer. He said he had already texted a specialist in Oklahoma City her information and that I needed to get her in to see him (two things noted, doctors don’t normally say cancer unless they are sure and doctors don’t normally text other doctors a referral. He’s got some serious concerns.). So, after numerous calls to insurance, on Wednesday of this week Dan, Melia and I headed to Oklahoma City. She had an MRI and we meet with the oncology surgeon who, based on the x-ray and MRI, confirmed what the first doctor said. He believed it is osteosarcoma. We returned to Oklahoma City the following day where Melia had a bone biopsy and they put in a port with the plan that she would be receiving treatment through it. The preliminary pathology showed that it was osteosarcoma, so, they admitted her to Children’s hospital in order to fast track additional testing. Melia and I spent the night, and Friday morning she had a PET scan and an Echo. Dan rejoined us and we met with the oncology team. Pathology confirmed that it is osteosarcoma and the PET scan showed that it was contained (PRAISE GOD!!!). The plan for her treatment will be chemo/surgery/chemo. Which will all start on Tuesday. 

To say we were shocked is an incredible understatement. Never in our wildest dreams did we see this coming. From the first specialist visit to diagnosis and treatment plan was one weeks time (this has been the longest week of our lives). What a difference a day or a week can make! 

This girl has amazed me! She has handled it all with such courage and grace! More than I would have ever had at 14. She has an amazing group of friends that are super supportive and will be a lifeline for her over the following months. 

One thing I learned in the first couple of days of all of this going down…we are made to live in community!!!! The number of friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers that have texted, called, brought food, offered to help, and prayed and prayed and prayed for us is overwhelming. I know most of you had no idea what was going on, but we didn’t want to post officially on fb until we had a diagnosis. For those of you that didn’t know any details, now you can pray specifically. 

So, now the work starts, it will not define her story, but will be a chapter in her story. When you think of her, please pray!!! I know that has been what has allowed us to keep functioning all week. Prayer! It has been tangible. There is no other explanation for the peace that we have felt in the midst of all of the other emotions. 

I know a lot of you believe in miracles and that’s what we are believing for!!! 

Pray for her total and complete healing. 
Pray for her to not have side effects from the chemo. 
Pray that the mass will shrink quickly. 
Pray for strength physically and emotionally. 
Pray for wisdom for her whole medical team. 
Pray that God will move so quickly and mightily that the medical team won’t be able to explain it. 

We have already experienced some sweet "God moments" in the midst of this. Even as special as God having an old friend sitting in the waiting room at the first specialists office when I walked out after just hearing that she had a mass on her bone to give me a hug and pray with me right there in the waiting room, to having another friend reach out without knowing what was going on whose son had been down a similar path a month before. 

This is not going to be a sprint, this is going to be a marathon. For those of you that think that you don’t want to message or text or call because we are busy and you don’t want bother us…that is not the case, we want to hear from you. Those texts and messages have meant everything to us. You guys are the best!!! Love you!

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Melia Hiatt

Team Melia - Helping the Hiatts

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Jamba Juice serves up wholesome nutrition and inspires healthy living. Jamba Juice gift cards are the ideal way to share and enjoy a wide variety of master blended juices, smoothies, bowls, and shots.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because everyone loves smoothies - and they're delicious and nutritious, too!
What To Express In Your Card: I know how busy you have been lately. Please, take a moment to feed yourself something nutritious. I love you!

Jamba Juice

Jamba Juice serves up wholesome nutrition and inspires healthy living. Jamba Juice gift cards are the ideal way to share and enjoy a wide variety of master blended juices, smoothies, bowls, and shots.

Target

Jamba Juice - Jamba Juice Gift Card

The family-friendly restaurant is famous for hand-cut steaks, made-from-scratch sides, fresh-baked bread, and a lively atmosphere.
Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Texas Roadhouse opened its doors in 1993 and has more than 611 locations in 49 states and ten countries.
Newsweek recognized Texas Roadhouse as one of America's Best Customer Service restaurants in the Casual Dining category in 2019.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because there is something very satisfying - and delicious, too - about a big and juicy steak. What's not to love?
What To Express In Your Card: Enjoy a night out - you deserve it. Let's chat soon?

Texas Roadhouse

The family-friendly restaurant is famous for hand-cut steaks, made-from-scratch sides, fresh-baked bread, and a lively atmosphere.

Amazon

Texas Roadhouse - Texas Roadhouse Gift Card

Panera Bread is committed to providing great-tasting, quality food that people can trust.
Highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients, and a menu free of man-made trans-fat, Panera is committed to providing great tasting quality food people can trust.
With a wide variety of year-round favorites, their menu is complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the country, guests are enjoying Panera's warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free Wi-Fi access.
Why We Love This Gift: We like convenient, comfortable, and quality chain restaurant food. You know who else might like it? Anyone who has reason to spend time with a sick relative in a hospital. Chain restaurants can provide a valuable change of scene and a little headspace.
What To Express In Your Card: Please stop for a minute and eat something. Let's catch up soon? I love and miss you.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread is committed to providing great-tasting, quality food that people can trust.

Panera Bread - Panera Gift Card

The Darden&reg; Restaurants Gift Card provides 9 distinguished and diverse restaurants on one card.  From Olive Garden's never-ending servings of our freshly baked breadsticks and iconic garden fresh salad to fresh, boldly seasoned and expertly grilled steaks - like the signature bone-in Outlaw Ribeye&reg; at LongHorn Steakhouse, we have one card with all your favorites.    Darden&reg; Restaurants Gift Card can be redeemed at any Olive Garden&reg;, LongHorn Steakhouse&reg;, Yard House&reg;, Ruth's Chris&reg; Steak House, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen&reg;, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52&reg;, Eddie V's and Bahama Breeze&reg; restaurants in the U.S.  Gift Cards can be redeemed for Online To Go, Catering and Dine-In meals.
What To Express In Your Card: I am thinking about you so much. Please, take a few minutes and get something to eat and drink on me.

Darden Restaurants

With over 1,500 restaurants in all 50 states, the Darden Gift Card is redeemable at some of the most recognizable brands in full-service dining including Olive Garden®, LongHorn Steakhouse®, Bahama Breeze®, Seasons 52®, Yard House®, and Cheddar&#8217;s® among others.

Darden Restaurants - Bahama Breeze Gift Card

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The Krispy Kreme brand has several unique elements that have helped create a special bond with customers. Their doughnuts, which are made from a secret recipe that has been in the company since 1937, have a one-of-a-kind taste that generations of loyal customers have grown to love.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because everyone loves donuts, pretty much any time. Whether your recipient is a pregnant mother experience cravings or a stressed-out family with children - donuts send a message to sit down, relax, and enjoy a sweet moment.
What To Express In Your Card: I wanted you to take a moment for a little rest.

Krispy Kreme&reg;

The Krispy Kreme brand has several unique elements that have helped create a special bond with customers. Their doughnuts, which are made from a secret recipe that has been in the company since 1937, have a one-of-a-kind taste that generations of loyal customers have grown to love.

Krispy Kreme&reg; - Krispy Kreme Gift Card

The Bloomin' Brands gift card is redeemable at any Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, or Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar in the United States.
Why We Love This Gift: We like convenient and quality chain restaurant food. You know who else might like it? Anyone who has reason to spend time with a sick relative in a hospital. Chain restaurants can provide a valuable change of scene, a glass of wine - and a little headspace.
What To Express In Your Card: Everyone loves having options. I am thinking of you.

Bloomin' Brands

The Bloomin&#8217; Brands gift card is redeemable at any Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba&#8217;s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, or Fleming&#8217;s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar in the United States.

Bloomin' Brands - Bloomin Brands Gift Card

If you're searching for a fun, high-energy restaurant with delicious food and handcrafted beers, BJ's Restaurant &amp; Brewhouse is an excellent choice.
Why We Love This Gift: BJ's is fun and delicious for the whole family. After a stressful week, gift cards to a friendly family restaurant are much appreciated. For example, the ability to focus tight on care for a family impacted by a medical crisis is a true gift. It is sustenance.
What To Express In Your Card: I know how much you and the family love this restaurant. Please, let me know if there is any other way I can help. I love you!

BJ's

If you&#8217;re searching for a fun, high-energy restaurant with delicious food and handcrafted beers, BJ&#8217;s Restaurant &amp; Brewhouse is an excellent choice.

BJ's Restaurant &amp; Brewhouse

BJ's - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Gift Card

Sip into Dunkin' Donuts and enjoy America's favorite coffee and baked goods chain.
Why We Love This Gift: Whether your recipient is a pregnant mother experience cravings or a stressed-out family with children - donuts send a message to sit down, relax, and enjoy a sweet moment. We love this gift because everyone loves donuts, pretty much any time.
What To Express In Your Card: Please, treat yourself to coffee and donuts. You deserve it.

Dunkin' Donuts

Sip into Dunkin&#8217; Donuts and enjoy America&#8217;s favorite coffee and baked goods chain.

Walmart

Dunkin' Donuts - Dunkin' Gift Card

With your favorite restaurants at your fingertips, DoorDash satisfies your cravings and connects you with possibilities -- more time and energy for yourself and those you love.
Why We Love This Gift: In every situation, food is necessary. Let your recipient select exactly what they want to eat - and have it delivered. Win and Win.
What To Express in Your Card: I am thinking of you and I want you to eat something that appeals to you. You choose. xo

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DoorDash - DoorDash Gift Card

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Costco Cash Cards are a fantastic way to gift Costco access to a family or organization. While you must be a member to purchase, anyone can use a Costco Cash Card at Costco stores nationwide or online. Cards are available from $25 to $1000 and can be used towards memberships or merchandise.
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Costco

What is the best gift anytime? A Target eGift Card. With no fees and no expiration dates, the real question is: who couldn't use a gift card from Target?
Why We Love This Gift: Whether as a baby gift or to replenish supplies around the house, to cheer up a sick kid, or help someone with prescription costs, you can almost always find exactly what you need at Target. We love this gift because it enables your recipient with endless options and the ability to purchase precisely what they need - no questions asked.
What To Say In Your Card: I thought this might come in handy. I am sending you so much love!

Target - Target Gift Card

Uber Eats is the easy way to get the food you love delivered.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it allows the recipient to choose exactly what they want, when they want it. Sometimes we need to have a backup plan tucked away in our pocket, and Uber Eats is it. Bonus: Uber Eats gift cards are also redeemable for Uber rides.
What To Say In Your Card: Please eat something. I am thinking about you.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats - Uber Eats Gift Card

Give the gift of take-out. Seriously, the perfect gift for any situation.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it is take-out and everyone loves take-out. It gives your recipient the flexibility to order exactly what they want, when they want it. Pregnancy cravings are no joke. Neither is the stress level of a single parent on a school night. Young professionals who get sick often hate the loss of their own agency. The capacity to choose one's own dinner is not to be underestimated. Nothing says I love you like Pad Thai.
What To Express in Your Card: I wanted you to be able to choose your own meal. I am thinking of you!

Grubhub

Grubhub - Grubhub Gift Card

This e-gift card allows access to all Walmart products. Useful for anyone anywhere.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it offers access to things like pharmacies when a family you love is in need. Many aspects of surgical care are not covered by insurance - these expenses can add up. This is especially true when a family is on a fixed income. Items like canes, walkers, surgical gauze, and more - can all be underwritten in this way. (Bonus: It respects, as well, the privacy and dignity of the person you love). Supplements that are doctor recommended (always check) can also be covered in this manner. Walmart also just has everything so for someone who has lost their job it enables them to get what they need without spelling it all out. People are proud.
What To Express in Your Card: You'd do exactly the same. xo

Walmart - Walmart Gift Card

Chipotle offers a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere.
Through their vision of Food With Integrity, Chipotle is seeking better food from using ingredients that are not only fresh, but that - where possible - are sustainably grown and raised responsibly with respect for the animals, the land, and the farmers who produce the food. And...delicious too!
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because Chipotle offers a clean and affordable fast food alternative. This is a great gift for anyone - who doesn't love Chipotle?
What To Express In Your Card: I miss you! Grab a meal. Sending you love.

Chipotle

Chipotle offers a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere.

Chipotle - Chipotle Gift Card

Give your friends and loved ones the gift of entertainment with AMC gift cards. Good for both movies and concessions and reloadable at any AMC theatre in the United States.
Why We Love This Gift: Perfect for anyone in need of a pick-me-up. We love this gift because it provides an escape into a movie of your recipient's choosing, which can often help them clear their heads.
What To Express In Your Card: I know you have a lot on your mind right now. I hoped that you would enjoy a movie. I wanted to provide what little escapism I am able - I'd love to join you if you'll have me. Sending you lots of love.

AMC Theatres&reg;

AMC Theatres&reg; - AMC Theatres Gift Card

Red Robin is a casual dining restaurant chain specializing in over two dozen different types of delicious gourmet burgers. Red Robin also has a large selection of tasty appetizers, including bottomless steak fries, side dishes, salads, desserts, and their signature Mad Mixology specialty beverages.
Why We Love This Gift: Red Robin is fun and delicious for the whole family. After a stressful week, gift cards to a friendly family restaurant are much appreciated. For example, the ability to focus tight on care for a family impacted by a medical crisis is a true gift. It is sustenance.
What To Express in Your Card: Please. Eat something.

Red Robin

Red Robin - Red Robin Gift Card

Domino's gift cards can be redeemed for pizza, sandwiches, desserts, and much more. Try their Artisan Pizza, Stuffed Cheesy Bread, Oven Baked Sandwiches, Parmesan Bread Bites, or Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes. With the Domino's Pizza gift card, you can dine in the restaurant or order home-delivered pizza online. Treat someone to a Domino's gift card today.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because everyone loves sharing their favorite slice of pizza with someone they love. For example, those who have lost a loved one may sometimes permit themselves a little comfort and companionship. In such a circumstance, a meal shared is a true and lasting kindness. If the deceased was a breadwinner, the bereaved may be watching the wallet. Enable this person you love to grab a meal - wherever s/he is.
What To Express in Your Card: Please have something to eat.

Domino's

Domino's - Dominos Gift Card

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world.
Why We Love This Gift: Because it is coffee. We love this gift for that reason, but also because coffee (and tea) can facilitate conversation. People stop and talk over coffee and tea. Barista-made cups of coffee or steaming cups of hot tea are among life's "little" indulgences - the kind of thing that lifts people up. They are also among the first things people slash from tight budgets. Help them put it back. This gift is suitable for anyone to whom you want to express concern, consideration, or love. Also, here is a hot tip: teenagers love Starbucks. It is a great gift for a teenager.
What to Express in Your Card: I was just thinking about you as you grapple with recent events. I hope you will take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee - I know you are a latte fan. Maybe we can even meet for a cup? I'd love to know how you are doing and what I can do to be helpful. I send you lots of love.

Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world.

Starbucks - Starbucks Gift Card

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Amie hugs her boys

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Lori Shaffer

In a child's mind - the word cancer isn't necessarily a scary word. Get tips for how to talk to your kids about a cancer diagnosis.

Talking to Your Kids About Your Cancer - Give InKind

I have cancer. How do I tell my kids? In a child&#8217;s mind &#8211; the word cancer isn&#8217;t necessarily a scary word. Don&#8217;t scare them with your own fear. When Amie Lands was diagnosed with aggressive Head &amp; Neck cancer, her boys were only six and two. Throughout her battle, Amie, a Certified Grief Coach, [&hellip;]

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Setting up a food train is one of the best ways to help support someone you love. Here are some tips on how to give groceries as a gift.

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train - Give InKind

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Tara Shafer

Sharagim Kemp, M.D. suggests the most helpful ways to support a family whose loved one is in treatment for cancer. Visit Give InKind for additional information.

How To Help A Family Through Cancer Treatment

Sharagim Kemp, M.D. suggests the most helpful ways to help a family whose loved one is in treatment for cancer. Visit Give InKind for more.

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