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Help find a cure for DMG pediatric brain tumors.
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 childhood brain tumor called Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG). Despite initial hope from the doctors that radiation treatment might extend her already limited prognosis, the tumor was one of the most aggressive the doctors had seen, and just a month and two days later — on June 24 , 2020 — the tumor took sweet little Melina’s life.
The Melina Michelle Edenfield foundation was established in her memory to help find a cure for this terrible disease. All proceeds go directly toward research.
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.
Just the week before, on May 16, 2020, Melina was enjoying the first warm day of the season by swimming next door in her Poppy and Nay Nay’s swimming pool without a care in the world. She spent that morning running and biking in the neighborhood with her friends and older sisters.
Upcoming Events
The Choose Joy for Melina Fifth Annual Virtual 5k (Register by Sept. 16!)
October 1 - October 31Evening of Joy 2025
March 22, 2025 @ 5:30 pm - 11:00 pmChoose Joy Benefit Softball Tournament
May 9, 2025 - May 11, 2025