The Children’s Tumor Foundation is deeply honored and grateful to receive a legacy gift from the late Melissa Skyer, who passed away in 2022, just days after her 40th birthday due to complications from NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN).
Melissa lived her life with incredible passion and purpose. As an environmentalist, she was fiercely dedicated to protecting the planet. She earned both a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Master’s in Environmental Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology. During graduate school, she lost her hearing completely, but that didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams. She worked as an environmental scientist for five years in Chicago with Burns & McDonnell and another five years with Southern California Gas Company before moving back to Rochester. There, she dedicated her time to teaching and tutoring deaf students in biology and environmental science—making a lasting impact on her students’ lives.
Beyond her professional achievements, Melissa was a talented artist and writer. She poured her creativity into beautiful glass mosaics, paintings, and drawings and published two poetry collections.
She was a devoted daughter, sister, and a cherished friend to many. Despite the challenges of living with NF2-SWN, including multiple surgeries, clinical trials, and radiation treatments, Melissa embraced life with resilience and strength. Her father and three of her aunts also lived with NF2-SWN, and she is survived by her loving mother and her brother, Michael, who also has NF2-SWN.
Melissa’s generous legacy gift to CTF was made with the hope of accelerating a cure for NF2-SWN—a reflection of her unwavering spirit and her desire to make a difference for others facing this disease.
Our utmost thanks to Melissa and her family for their faith and generosity.
To learn more about leaving the Children’s Tumor Foundation in your will or estate plan like Melissa did, please visit ctf.org/legacy or reach out to us directly at donorrelations@ctf.org.
