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Melissa looks up and smiles, outdoors in soft light.

Melissa's

story

Conversations
with Melissa

Motivation
Loss
Identity
Community
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"I thought getting a degree in geology and being a PhD was my purpose. Really my purpose is to live a life where you can show people love. That's what's important."

Melissa

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About Melissa

Melissa is a native Hawaiian. A trained geologist, she is passionate about advocating for herself and others with MBC through scientific research.

Melissa hopes to help her local community by addressing issues that disproportionately affect Polynesian and Native Hawaiian people living with breast cancer.

Melissa wears a flower lei and holds a painted board, with a man beside her.
Melissa makes a shaka sign in sunglasses and a red headwrap against a blue sky.
If it feels difficult, know that it's not permanent, that you can go beyond it.
Melissa smiles at the camera in a pink and blue headwrap.
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