Sad to learn about the passing of Melissa Kerins today. She passed after a long and arduous 
fight with first Lyme disease for many years then succumbing to breast cancer. She leaves behind a beautiful family, a husband and three children.
As tributes come in for Melissa we will post them here. There are a couple people who will be writing tributes to Melissa, if you would like to also please post them in the comments below.
Her family could still use support, so whether it’s in encouraging messages or through monetary donations, please help if you can.
From Melissa’s Obituary:
“Melissa M, Kerins, 37 of Whitman passed away on July 24, 2016 after an extended illness. Loving wife of George, beloved mother of Morgan, Owen and Taylor. Cherished daughter of Cliff Phippen and Joanne Micale. Precious sister of Josh Phippen. She is also survived by grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Melissa was an advocate for patients with Lyme disease and established South Shore Lyme Support. She raised money for U.S. Veterans post 9/11. She was a driving force behind the Free Justina movement. She was also a champion of animal rights. A veterinary technician, she worked at animal hospitals on the South Shore and rescued dogs, cats, and a horse that became members of her family. Melissa was an avid equestrian and lover of all animals.
Visiting hours will be at the MacKinnon Funeral Home, 760 Washington St., Whitman on Thursday, July 28 from 4-8 PM.
Services will be held in Holy Ghost Church in Whitman on Friday, July 29 at 10:30 AM.
Burial to follow at Mt Zion Cemetery in Whitman.
www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-melissa-beat-breast-cancer-/192480
Tributes to Melissa
Melissa and I had our ups and downs. We met each other online on Facebook and ran some Lyme support groups together. Over one silly argument we deleted each other as friends on Facebook. After a year went by, I sent her a Christmas card. I just wanted to break the ice again and let her know I was thinking about her as I knew she was having some health issues. She sent me the sweetest message on Facebook and we resumed our friendship. It was hard watching her struggle through first Lyme then cancer. But I wanted to share Melissa’s outlook, and a quote she said to me,
Things that seem important to argue about or get upset about just don’t have the same meaning anymore. The petty stuff. We only have today!!! ~Melissa
Here is a square for the Lyme Quilt made by Christina Murphy.
RIP MELISSA; way to young to go not being able to watch all 3 of your kids grow up graduate from HS, college, and get married.
I knew her from lymenet where we would visit off/on.
I clicked on above link and found this info that I feel would be appropriate to emphasize at this time with a MAILING address for donations of $ or gifts from below list:
UPDATED WISH LIST FOR CARE PACKAGES: 7-8-16
Address:
The Kerins family
46 English Place
Whitman, MA 02382
George:
Xbox One games, accessories
Gift card to GameStop or Best Buy
Anything to do with local Boston sports
Comic books/Anything to do with comics
Morgan: (Girl, age 14)
Makeup
Shampoo
Conditioner
Bath gel
Pet supplies
Socks
Flip flops size 9
Tshirts xl
Acne products
School supplies
Owen: (Boy, age 10)
Duncan yoyos
Legos; loves Star Wars
Tshirts 12/14
Elastic waist shorts 10/12
Sneakers, size 7
Socks
Xbox one games, accessories
Star Wars toys
School supplies
Taylor: (Girl, age 4)
Ugliest pet shop toys
Sneakers, size 1 or 2
Dress up stuff
Horse stuff
A baby doll and accessories
Sneakers size 1
Crafts
Playmobil toys
Legos
Clothing size 5/6
Shoes size 1 or 2
School supplies
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Care packages from Amazon or Walmart with necessities such as:
non perishable food, cleaning supplies, health and beauty products, etc would also be great.
If you have Amazon Prime, you can send a Prime pantry package for free with if you look at the Deals and Coupons and purchase 5 items from a select list; really easy to do as they have great deals!
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Websites for meals delivered to the home:
Address:
The Kerins Family
46 English Place
Whitman, MA 02382
1. http://homebistro.dinewise.com/
2. http://www.realfoodworks.com/
3. http://www.dinein2nite.com/home.php
4. http://www.familychef.com/
5. http://www.magickitchen.com/
6. http://www.homecookingforyou.com/
7. http://www.harryanddavid.com/h/gourmet-foods/prepared-meals
8. http://www.sendameal.com/
9. http://www.omahasteaks.com/shop/
10. https://www.personalcheftogo.com/
I’ll get something off in the mail in near future for Melissa’s family.
thanks lisa for posting this memorial & all other lyme articles, etc!!
hugs/prayers to her family now and in the days, months, and year ahead,
iowa friend,
bettyg, lyme activist
47.5 yrs. chronic lyme
35 yrs. misdiagnosed by 40-50 drs.
unacceptable!
I did not know Melissa, but want to express how her soul was pure and filled with love just reading how she touched so many communities and gave her time to others and animals. My heart is heavy for her loss. May continuous love, light and healing be with her entire circle of family and friends. God bless you Melissa.
RIP Melissa, thank you for everything you did to raise awareness for Lyme Disease, saving animals, and being an amazing human being ❤️