Melissa Koleshis

2021 MSAA Art Showcase Entrants

Melissa Koleshis – Tempe, AZ

I was born and raised on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I attended F.I.T. in NYC and graduated from Bridgewater University, Massachusetts with a BA in Fine Arts. I worked as a graphic designer for a few years and when the dot.com industry died I went to my back-up career in commercial finance. I was diagnosed with RRMS on Halloween 2016. I remember it was a Monday and that Saturday, just 2 days before, was when I completed my MRIs to confirm the diagnosis. So, I was shocked to hear from my neurologist so soon, they found a large mass in my throat that needed to be looked at immediately. Still recovering from the relapse and now possible cancer, oh, and being told you do have MS, I still managed to take my young daughter trick-or-treating that evening. I did not have cancer but lost my thyroid instead. In July 2018 I had to give up my job because it was such a struggle because of the MS. Luckily, I was approved for Social Security Disability. I now live in Phoenix, Arizona with my daughter, husband, and kitty. I miss the ocean breeze but love the big desert sky. MS will never take the title “Artist” from me — as long as I can hold a paint brush I will create.

Applause

Light House