Community Raises Funds for Ferrians

WAITSBURG – Fellow actors, musicians, co-workers, and friends are banding together to offer support to Melissa and Mike Ferrians in their time of need. Several fundraisers are being organized to raise funds for the Ferrians, as Melissa walks through a recently diagnosed battle with colon cancer.

The Ferrians stepped down from pastoral life last May, when Mike retired after serving 25 years as pastor of the Waitsburg First Christian Church. During that time, Melissa was right beside him, serving the community every step of the way.

The couple has given freely of both their time and their musical talents. They created and lead the Salt & Light youth choir ministry, which involved teens from throughout the valley, for 15 years. Melissa has led choirs and directed music in Waitsburg and Dayton, including many Touchet Valley Action Council (TVAC) live musicals. Mike has played many roles in TVAC productions, and has co-directed two musicals.

In late December doctors discovered that Melissa had a tumor and polyp in her colon. Both were cancerous. She underwent surgery on Jan. 27 to remove a section of colon as well as her gallbladder. She is currently recuperating well at home.

Melissa is currently employed driving for Columbia County Transportation, and Mike works at d'Olivo on Main Street in Walla Walla. And while they each loves their job, taking time off to deal with an unexpected health hurdle is more challenging than when they were in church ministry.

However, a grateful community is stepping forward to help ease the financial stress of uncovered medical expenses, as well as unpaid time off work for both Mike and Melissa.

TVAC is giving back by donating the proceeds of their upcoming Ebony and Ivories event to the Ferrians. Ebony & Ivories, an evening of classical and contemporary music, champagne, and chocolate, takes place Sat., Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and may be purchased online at libertytheater.org.

A "Ferrians Medical Fund" has also been established at Banner Bank in Waitsburg to help with expenses related to Melissa's medical care. Donations may also be made to the Dayton Banner Bank branch.

In a public letter, Janet Ihle wrote, "Mike and Melissa have a dissonance in their song, currently. Stress, worry, schedule hassles, physical illness, financial burdens. If you have been blessed by their ministry, please consider supporting them through this time with prayers, words of encouragement, logistical/physical support, or financial help."