A young woman paralyzed by Transverse Myelitis and stranded in a third-floor apartment, Melissa became a symbol of strength, hope, and community action. Her smile, her resilience, her warmth—they sparked something in theCHIVE community.


The response was unprecedented. More than $400,000 poured in to build her an ADA-accessible home, a record that still stands today. Melissa moved into that home surrounded by family, friends, and local Chivers who helped build it. 

Her gratitude was as overwhelming as the support she inspired.



Tragically, Melissa passed away in 2025 from complications tied to her diagnosis, cancer, and COVID. But her impact never left us. She reminded us that behind every application is a real person. And that every story we share has the power to ripple outward and change lives in ways we can’t always imagine.

Which brings us to Lynda.



A single mom living a full and busy life, Lynda Spencer was working full time in sales and marketing, raising her two kids, and staying active – until a rare medical condition turned everything upside down in 2015. The diagnosis was Transverse Myelitis, just like Melissa.

“I was healthy, active, working full time in sales and marketing, and raising my two kids on my own,” Lynda said. “TM hit me out of nowhere and changed everything.”



She spent two weeks in the ICU and six weeks in inpatient rehab learning how to care for herself again. Those early days were disorienting and scary, but Lynda pushed through. She fought to recover her independence. She adapted. She survived.

But survival isn’t the same as freedom. And for Lynda, that became clear every time she needed help just to leave her home.



“I can take care of myself day to day,” she said. “But I can’t get to doctor appointments or physical therapy without someone else taking me. It’s frustrating to feel like you’re always a burden.”

She was honest about what that does to a person’s spirit. “It’s isolating,” she said. “When you become disabled, you kind of disappear from the world a little bit. People don’t always see you.”

And yet, Lynda kept showing up. For her kids. For her health. For herself. She turned to the things she loved, like decorating, reading, writing, and exercising when she was able. She filled her days with color, movement, and meaning. But still, the transportation barrier remained.



That’s where donors like you come in. Just like back in 2015 for the girl with the glowing smile.

Thanks to our community of supporters, Lynda received a fully ADA-accessible van for a total impact of $60,600. She can now travel safely and independently, making regular trips to doctors and physical therapy without waiting for help or feeling like a burden. 

“This has made a big difference,” she told us. “Being able to do things for myself again... It’s hard to explain how much that matters. I don’t feel stuck anymore.”



When asked what advice she’d give to someone newly navigating disability, Lynda said, “It gets easier. You’ll learn what works for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t give up.”

Her words echo the same grace and grit that made Melissa unforgettable.

Melissa’s story reminds us why we do what we do. Lynda’s story shows us why we’ll never stop.



The faces behind every diagnosis are real. Their lives are full. Their needs are urgent. And their stories—every single one—deserve to be heard.



That’s what makes the Chive Charities community so powerful. Not just because we give, but because we see. We show up. And we keep legacies like Melissa’s alive by paying it forward to people like Lynda.



If you’ve ever wondered whether your support makes a difference—this is it.

To help us reach more inspiring veterans, military families, first responders, and rare disease warriors like Melissa and Lynda, become a one-time or monthly subscriber. We’ll make it count. DONATE HERE.