On August 19, 2005 Cyrstal discovered a strange black mole on her right eyelid; she was diagnosed with a rare, previously uncharted form of malignant melanoma on her right eyelid and in the muscle tissue of the same eye. After a series of surgeries to remove the cancerous tissue, she was given a clean bill of health on December 15, 2005. Her doctors continued to monitor her closely over the next year. 

    Nearly a year after her initial diagnosis and 9 months after being declared cancer-free, Crystal and her husband, Anthony (Tony), began preparations for the arrival of their daughter, Mattea Rene Violante. During the seventh month of Crystal's pregnancy, new cells formed in the tissue around her right eye. Initial biopsy reports indicated that there were irregular cells forming, but her doctors felt that these cells could be dealt with after Mattea was born. Crystal and Tony opted to finish the pregnancy without intervention and deal with the cancer cells after Mattea's birth. 

    April 24, 2007, beautiful Mattea was born, although not without some intense work on Crystal's part. After a healthy, uneventful pregnancy, Crystal went into labour the afternoon of April 23. Following 20 hours of hard, drug-free labour, Crystal's body lapsed into a rare blood disease known as "HELLP Syndrome". The only known cure for HELLP Syndrome is to get the baby out as quickly as possible, allowing for the blood platelet and hemoglobin count to return to normal. An emergency Caesarean Section was performed and Mattea arrived, kicking, screaming and healthy. Crystal, unfortunately had to remain in hospital for a week following Mattea's birth, so doctors could monitor her blood and body's return to normal.

    After returning home one week following her daughter's arrival into the world, Crystal was on the road to recovery. Sadly, a few weeks into motherhood, Crystal developed debilitating back pain. Following numerous visits to doctors and several blood tests, it was determined that she was suffering from Post Partum back issues - apparently not entirely uncommon among new mothers. She sought help of chiropractors and massage therapists but to no avail. Then she received the most devastating news a person can ever imagine. 

    Around the same time her back flared up, Crystal's doctors began the process of dealing with the cancer cells that had been discovered back in March 2007. A routine MRI showed that the cancer had spread to the occipital bone behind the right eye. This was a shock to everyone, including the doctors. 

    While the doctors rallied together to determine the next course of action, Crystal and Tony returned home to care for their young daughter. On the evening of July 8, Crystal's back pain became so severe that she and Tony made the decision to go to the emergency room at the Foothills Hospital. Following an emergency MRI, she was told that the cancer had spread into her spine, hips and pelvic region. The cancer has also been found in her liver, lungs, bones and one additional tumour has been discovered in her pelvis. According to Crystal's team of doctors, her cancer is terminal, and she has been sent home under palliative care. As melanoma is an aggressive, unpredictable cancer and the dynamics of it make it very difficult to treat, her doctors have indicated that following a 5-day round of radiation on her spinal column to relieve her pain, they will not be pursuing further medical treatment options. 
    Crystal, however, is not prepared to give up. She is seeking alternative treatments and requires care 24 hours a day. Her husband has left his job and is dedicated to her daily care. They also have support of family and friends who are rallying around to help care and raise Mattea.

    Friends and family are also gathering around in other ways to help support the Violante family. First, our goal in sharing Crystal's story is to raise the funds required to pay for Crystal and Tony's daily living expenses, and for the costs associated with Crystal's natural, alternative treatments. Secondly, we, along with Crystal and Tony, feel that raising awareness about malignant melanoma is a top priority. Many people do not understand that skin cancer can be so deadly. Sun safety MUST become a daily routine for everyone. The statistics today indicate that 2% of people under age 40 get melanoma. It's a rare form of cancer among the younger generation. Crystal, however, is 31. With tanning salons on every block, and with tropical vacations becoming commonplace, we can be sure that the statistics five years from now will be dramatically different. The percentage of those in their 20s and 30s suffering from this disease will be astonishing - unless we make our voices heard and share Crystal's story. 

    Despite Crystal's prognosis, her family and friends believe that Crystal can be healed. Most importantly, Crystal has an incredibly positive attitude. God has equipped her with the necessary tools to overcome this difficult chapter in her life. Her motto has become "The Totality of Possibilities - No Limits". She believes there are no limits to positive thinking and the power of prayer, and that miracles do happen.