Melissa Wickey has spent years helping others heal. Now, in her own cancer battle, she’s doing it her way.
The beloved San Juan Island acupuncturist and holistic practitioner is facing an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis with a treatment plan that reflects her life’s work: natural, integrative healing.
Doctors recommended six months of chemotherapy, followed by surgery and possibly more treatment. One oncologist even warned her prognosis would be just one year if she declined intervention.
But Wickey, known across the islands for her holistic approach to wellness, is taking a different path — at least for now. She is preparing to enter a one-month isolation to undergo a supervised water fast, guided by an oncologist specializing in integrative care.
The goal: to starve cancer cells and potentially make future treatments less aggressive or even unnecessary.
“Our beloved Island healer, Dr. Melissa Wickey, and her family need our love and support,” Natalie Ngjela wrote on a GoFundMe campaign. “Melissa is a ray of light and inspiration to all who meet her and are healed by her.”
Encouragingly, recent CAT scans and blood tests show no signs of the cancer spreading. “Melissa is in amazing spirits and an inspiration to all,” Ngjela said.
The diagnosis caps a grueling year for Melissa, her husband Matt, and their children. Just last year, Matt nearly died from a severe infection.
After a spiritual healing voyage across the Pacific to recover, he returned home and has since taken on full-time work while also caring for their two sons.
Melissa, meanwhile, has had to close her acupuncture practice for at least six months, creating a financial strain as medical bills pile up alongside everyday expenses.
Ngjela said the family — though humble — is open to help, both financially and personally. Friends have already delivered meals, assisted with childcare, and even brought well water for Melissa’s fast.
“It may be difficult, but we are strong as a family,” Matt shared. “Pray for my wife like you all prayed for me. We know that power.”
The fundraiser is helping ease the burden while the Wickeys focus on what matters most: healing and staying strong together. Those interested in donating can do so via GoFundMe here.
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