Fight Cancer. Make Time. > Miguel Melendez
It’s been nearly 15 years since Miguel Melendez was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and he’s ensured that not one day has gone to waste. Whether he’s gardening with his wife, going on road trips (7,982 miles to date!), spending time with his children or volunteering to support other cancer patients and caregivers, he’s used his extra time to make an impact and cherish each day he has with his family.
Miguel is no stranger to the toll cancer can take on individuals and their families. In addition to his own diagnosis and recovery, he was the primary caregiver for his wife, Abby, when she had thyroid cancer. He also lost both parents to cancer — his mom to colorectal cancer, and his dad to prostate cancer at just age 65. To mark his 66th birthday last year in honor of his father, Miguel traveled along Route 66.
“I am now 67,” said Miguel. “I’m very grateful to have reached the age when, regretfully, my dad did not.
Since their recovery, Miguel and Abby have spent time together volunteering in various capacities, sharing their stories and giving back to the cancer community to help people feel less alone. They’re often referred to as a “dynamic duo,” and they both received the St. George’s National Award from the American Cancer Society in 2018 — the organization’s most prestigious award to outstanding community volunteers.
Most recently, Miguel and Abby teamed up to bring Relay for Life back to their hometown in Baldwin, New York. It’s an event Miguel has been looking forward to since the fundraiser was put on hold due to the pandemic. In January, he and Abby walked around the track to signify the “kick off” of relay season, and they can’t wait to host their event on June 8.
While volunteering brings passion and purpose to Miguel’s life, he is most grateful for the time he’s been given to spend with his family. Every day is an opportunity for a new memory to make with his wife and kids. He believes his diagnoses helped bring his family closer together, and he is thankful for the experiences they’ve been able to share over the last 14 years. From kayaking to biking to family Mets games, he and his family have gone on more than 300 adventures together... and counting!
One memory that stands out to Miguel is when he took his family to see a Broadway show on a night with an impending blizzard warning in New York City. They saw the show, decided to stay for dinner and — despite the snowstorm — made it nearly all the way home before getting stuck a block away from their house. They ended up walking home to get shovels and returned to dig out their car.
It’s moments like these with his family that Miguel will never take for granted.
“I feel that there is always more that I can do as a cancer advocate, parent and partner,” he said. “But I am incredibly proud of the relationship I have with my three kids.”