Tresa Triumphs Over Ocular Melanoma

September 10, 2020

Ocular Melanoma Strikes

Tresa lives in Greenfield, Missouri, with her husband and three children. Greenfield is a haven for history buffs and horse enthusiasts, founded in the 1850s and filled with riding trails. The surrounding areas are known for open spaces and undisturbed nature. Missouri also holds historical significance as the “Gateway to the West.”

However, Tresa isn’t always able to enjoy the land and history.

“I started having vision problems,” said Tresa, “and finally went to the eye doctor.” Tresa’s local doctor thought it was a detached retina. He referred her to a specialist in Springfield, MO. Tresa wanted a second opinion, and to make sure nothing else was wrong. “After several tests were done, they found out I had ocular melanoma.”

Gateway Closed...

Like the early pioneers, Tresa needed a gateway. Her gateway wasn’t to new land, but to renewed life. Her best option for care was in St. Louis, where she could receive radiation. There was just one problem. “We are a family of five, with only one income,” said Tresa, “and it barely covers the doctor bills.” Worse, the hospital was almost 300 miles away – and that was just going one way. With such limited resources, she couldn’t pay for the gas required to travel so far. “I needed financial assistance to travel to the doctor,” said Tresa.

If she didn’t get the radiation, she could lose her vision. It could even deteriorate to the point where they’d have to remove her eye. Ocular melanoma can also spread to the bones and other organs, such as the lungs and liver.

Tresa’s gateway to healing had slammed shut, at the worst possible time. There was little chance of it opening again. What was she going to do?

...Opened Again

Just when it seemed Tresa’s life was driving into the darkness, Mercy Medical Angels’ ground transportation program shone a light. “I was given resources from the American Cancer Society,” said Tresa, “and Mercy Medical Angels was one of them.”

Mercy Medical Angels sent Tresa gas cards. This way she could pay for the high cost of the long-distance round trip. Her husband drove her to and from the appointments, since her vision wasn’t strong enough. She had to travel multiple times over the summer to receive the radiation treatments. And every time she needed assistance with travel costs, Mercy Medical Angels came through. They mailed her enough gas cards to cover all the trips.

Once more, the gateway had opened. Tresa was prepared for her journey to a better life.

Appreciation

Tresa is now standing up to the disease that was causing her life to fall apart. The shadows that ocular melanoma cast on her life didn’t stand a chance against the lights of hope and healing.

“I appreciate all your organization has done,” said Tresa, “thank you!”

When cancer patients like Tresa face off against their illness, it can feel like fighting for a lost cause. But sometimes, the lost causes are the ones most worth fighting for. With help from Mercy Medical Angels’ ground transportation program, cancer patients like Tresa can triumph in their trials.