Help find a cure for DMG pediatric brain tumors

About the Foundation

Upon Melina’s diagnosis, we learned that childhood cancer research is severely underfunded, receiving less than 3% of all money raised for cancer research. Less than 1% of that total goes toward pediatric brain tumor funding, equating to only $500 per child diagnosed. Our mission is to not only raise awareness, but to further fund the necessary research efforts in hopes of saving these wonderful children.

Melina’s Story

On May 22, 2020, the lives of the Edenfield family changed in an unimaginable way, when their youngest of three daughters, Melina Michelle Edenfield—a joyful, energetic, and brilliant little four-year-old—was diagnosed with a deadly pediatric brain tumor, a diffuse midline glioma. 

On June 24, 2020, a short one month and two days after Melina’s initial diagnosis, and only 19 days from the confirmed diagnosis of a diffuse midline glioma, Melina died in her Mother’s arms. 

In her four and half years, Melina’s passion and competitive spirit was exemplified in the way that she attacked everything she did. From T-Ball, to dance class, swimming, or playing the games “Guess Who,” and “Old Maid,” she poured her heart into each day that she lived. But more than anything, the way that she loved and exuded joy could be found in the relationship she shared with big sisters, Klara (8), and Emilea (6), who she adored. During her brief illness, when she was away from Klara and Emilea, every facetime chat started with one statement, “I want to talk to my sisters.”

Melina loved all things “Cheeto” (cheetah) print, Starbucks Frappuccino’s, Disney Princesses, her favorite being Cinderella, Target runs, shopping and giraffes. Fridays were reserved for a special shopping day with Mommy, and summer nights for being coached by Daddy in T-Ball. She spent her days swimming at her Poppy and Nay Nay’s house next door, running and biking outside with all of her neighborhood friends, crafting and playing games with her sisters, and flipping and jumping on the trampoline. In one month, the tumor took everything physical from Melina, but she never lost her relentless passion for life, and she never lost her joy.