[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he effort to gather funds for a Dripping Springs ISD employee’s chemotherapy treatment has already reached half of its goal in roughly one week.
Efforts to raise $10,000 for Melissa Fleming, a Dripping Springs ISD school counselor, are underway thanks to Charlene Cox, Dripping Springs ISD nurse.
Cox, who’s worked with Fleming for more than seven years, described her as a warm, charismatic character who always has a smile on her face and who would do anything to help someone.
“She would never ask for monetary help,” Cox said. “She is the one who always helps others in need.”
According to Cox, Fleming has already spent $12,000 for medical bills in her battle against cancer since she was first diagnosed in June, $5,000 of which was granted by Fleming’s cancer treatment center.
Fleming has recently undergone an extremely aggressive form of chemotherapy treatment known as Adriamycin, or the “red devil," a chemotherapy agent used to treat many kinds of cancer, including breast, lung, ovarian and bladder cancer.
Adriamycin's list of side effects can include low white blood cell count, low red blood cell count, low platelets, hair loss and mouth sores.
The effort was started Aug. 14 via gofundme.com and in just one week,$5,765 has been accumulated.
“I just appreciate and love you all and my family does too.” said Fleming in response to the support shown by the Dripping Spring community. “Words can't even begin to describe what I'm feeling.”
Cox, however, was unsurprised at the quick and generous outpouring of donations and support for Fleming.
“They’re just showing what Dripping Springs does, it’s a loving and generous community, said Cox. “She's loved by everyone here; I know of people who've given to her that have only ever heard of her.”