Community Corner

Benefit for Enumclaw Family Struck by Triple Misfortune Set for Saturday, March 17

Martin Nachtsheim had been the caring for his baby who had been born prematurely and wife Melissa who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer before he was severely injured in a traffic accident in January.

In several Facebook posts in early March, Melissa Nachtsheim wrote of the physical pain she endures from chemotherapy and a nosebleed that required emergency attention because it lasted "ALL day (not exaggerating) with clots the size of dollar bills."

Chemotherapy is now a regular part of Melissa's life that has manifested into liver disease.

Melissa's husband, Martin, suffered severe leg injuries requiring surgery to his hip and femur after the . He also sustained a broken back and underwent an 8-hour surgery for that.

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Meanwhile, the couple's premature baby, Lincoln, continues to battle complications while older son Taylor hopes and prays for his family's recovery.

The pain that the Nachtsheim family has endured is enough to knock a lot of people off their feet, but not for Martin and Melissa. "For the situation they are in they are the most positive people you could meet," wrote Bree Metzger, Martin's sister-in-law, in an email update to Patch.

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In fact, Martin was able to take a shower independently this past week, which is a huge accomplishment, said Metzger. Melissa's doing well too, in spite of the chemo. "It's a very low dose but she is doing so amazing!" write Metzger.

A positive outlook can get you far but Melissa's last surgery is totaled at something over $200,000.

That's what makes community participation in the taking place this Saturday, March 17 at Enumclaw High School so important. The benefit was already something that Martin had been working on before his accident in order to help pay for his Melissa's and Lincoln's mounting medical bills. With dad now also unable to work or manage a lot of the household costs, the Enumclaw Plateau community has come together to support the family.

Organizers have already raised funds for the family through a garage sale in late February. Through ChipIn, they've also collected nearly $12,000 in monetary donations already.

Saturday's benefit promises to be a fun event with dinner, a silent and live auction, photo booth, dessert dash and games for kids.

Some items up for auction include a Seattle Sounders basket with a framed and autographed photo of Fredy Montero, several spa packages/baskets, an electric guitar signed by the band Filter, a signed Seattle Seahawks football, Lia Sophia jewelry, a time share at Lake Chelan and an assortment of other gift baskets and gift cards.

It costs $5 per person to get in (kids 12 and under are free).

Bring a package of diapers or wipes to be entered into a raffle.

Bring a gift card to businesses like Costco, Target or Safeway gas; every $20 is one ticket to two large raffle prizes.

"The community has been overwhelmingly amazing with all of their support inΒ  raising awareness, help, money and donations towards this benefit auction," said Metzger. "It'll be a lot of fun and hopefully raise alot of money for this wonderful family."

Melissa wrote on her Facebook page in late February: "Linc, Taylor and I went on a great walk today to see Daddy. It felt SO good to get out.... but oh man I'm hurtin now. That's the most I've walked since I had Lincoln (before I was sick). Looking forward to Spring so I can do more walking."

In another post, "By the way... Martin is doing great!!! I'm continually impressed by the strength and courage he has. He stood for two minutes today! We are still about 2 months away from coming home.... but at least he is close. I miss him daily, even though I see him at least once a day. He is my best friend, my rock. We knew we had something special before, this has just made us grow stronger together."

Said Metzger: "With everything this family has gone through their love, support, dedication and positive outlook warms my heart."

Click here to follow the Nachtsheim family on Facebook. Or to donate to the family, visit their ChipIn page.


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