Early Onset CAA #4: Middle school stories I've told almost no one

My first video that goes way beyond this illness to share some reflections on my formative experiences.
Everyone who knows me knows I have an activist heart. These very personal middle school memories provide a glimpse into how that ethos took shape for me.
Take a look at my earlier videos for background on why I am doing this, including my diagnosis at age 50 with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a vascular neurodegenerative disease that has quickly turned my life upsidedown.

[@NiviSingh0211]

Loved listening to your childhood stories, Mellissa. Took me back to my own childhood days…which were not anywhere similar to yours but made me think of the people I knew then and lost along the way. Sending you loads of love, my friend. ❤❤❤

[@annecoltre6104]

Melissa. I loved listening to your stories. You shine in what ever you do, no matter what state you are in. With love, Anne Coltre

[@k8con]

💓💓💓 i loved hearing about this side of your background that i never knew about. I feel so similarly about growing up on Clifford and going to city schools. It completely shaped who I am and created a seemingly unending well of empathy inside of me

[@ruthsmith6502]

Thank you for sharing your back story I guess my strong beliefs, like yours ce from my exposure when I was young. Thank heavens.my parents did not express racism but certainly had close family that did. I could not ever understand there thinking. It sounds like we are at peace with our friends and feelings with no apologies. That's who you are. Take care until another day.

[@suekorn641]

Melissa - this video was very meaningful to me. Unlike you, I was brought up by an extremely racist father, and heard all the wrong messages. Fortunately, I was able to, as an adult, make my own choices and decisions. Since leaving Rochester I've spent the last 11 years happily in an inter-racial relationship, and my mixed granddaughter is the light of my life. I'm so grateful for people like you who see beyond the color of our skin and see the beauty of people. You did a lot to improve and change society. I applaud you. ❤

[@Db8it]

I love you, Sue!