By Avra Sullivan
Terri Britton grew up in Edgewater, Maryland but has lived in the Kent Island area since marrying her husband in 1995. While Terri enjoys both playing and coaching softball, her true passion is her family. Pride in her two children quickly reveals itself. She describes her son’s recent engagement and becoming a father, which of course makes Terri a grandmother for the first time. She also is proud of her daughter, a senior in high school and four-year varsity softball player. Her family extends outward to her nieces and nephews who are all stars in a variety of activities. The she comes to Melissa.
Melissa Smith is Terri’s first niece, her sister’s daughter. Yet even a mother could not express more love for this young lady who is battling a rare neurological disorder that has left her unable to walk. This disease is the result of the radiation and treatment Melissa received while twice fighting Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She beat the disease once, only to beat it a second time when it returned. Though devastating to watch her niece suffer, Terri says she is grounded in the belief that Melissa will recover.
Terri says she believes Melissa “is the one person strong enough to handle what most people couldn’t, and emerge successful.” When Terri’s grandmother passed away, Terri told Melissa that she was to be the new family matriarch. “I told her God can’t take you because you now have to lead this family.”
Terri confirms the sentiment spoken by others that Melissa is more than suited for the role. “She is the first to help anyone, the backbone of the family, always stepping in with the support and strength to get through anything.”
Terri paints a picture of a family bond not seen much anymore. Not only do her children live geographically close to their cousins, they share an intense connection with one another, having grown up together. “They can talk about one another all they want but no one outside the family had better say a word against any of them.” The family connection Terri describes has rallied the entire family behind Melissa, not with pity or fear, but with determination to help Melissa reach all of her dreams. “All I want for all of my children, and for Melissa, is health and happiness.”
Through Terri’s tears and spoken to a stranger during a telephone interview, a picture of Melissa emerged as a strong and courageous young woman. What also became apparent was the intense love of an aunt who would gladly “take this from her if I could.” Her faith in Melissa’s recovery is as strong as any medicine. “I just want her to walk again. And I know it will happen. I know it.”
Melissa Smith will be the beneficiary of this year’s Stop in the Name of Love Fundraiser. Ten of Queen Anne’s County most eligible singles were selected and are now out and about selling votes. For every $1 they raise, they get one vote. On March 14th the most eligible male and female will be announced at a party at The View at Mears Point. This will be a fun-filled night of socializing, food and drink specials and raffles. All proceeds will go directly to Melissa. You can vote online at wordpress-547-1846-2922.cloudwaysapps.com. You also can donate directly to Melissa through a fundraising site set up by her family, www.gofundme.com/16sg64.