Melissa Lane
2003 Community Hero
The sounds of sweet music can be heard throughout the Lane household when 14 year old musician extraordinaire, Melissa picks up her flute, piccolo or saxophone. She plays songs of hope and inspiration.
Melissa suffers from an unknown condition that effects several bodily systems and has an uncertain diagnosis. She endures ever-changing medication and testing, and is required to travel across the country with her parents, in search of new diagnostic information.
Melissa’s zest for life is none-the-less apparent. Even after missing the entire 7th grade due to her illness, Melissa received two achievement awards the very next year, including the Presidents Education Award for Outstanding Achievement. She is realistic and joyful about life as she courageously faces her future. She lives her definition of a hero as "someone who puts up with the worst parts of life and still has a good attitude."
