She always had a story to tell, but she also knew that everyone has a story — along with their own struggles — and she was always there to listen and lend a hand. Melanie radiated strength and beauty, and she tried to shine the light of truth on any and all issues. She believed everyone has star potential — not in the sense of celebrity, but in the sense that everyone can live up to their best selves. Melanie was a compassionate, fun-loving and sensitive person, but she was also tough as nails. She expected a lot of herself and her friends. You wanted her in your corner because not only would she fight for you, but she would inspire you to fight for yourself. When we think of Melanie, we think of her as being a force — and with this foundation, we will continue to use that force to spread love and gratitude, just the same way she would have.

Words that inspired Melanie and continue to inspire us:

“It’s not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something. May I suggest that it be creating joy for others, sharing what we have for the betterment of personkind, bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely.”

—Leo Buscaglia, professor and author

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

—Leo Buscaglia, professor and author

Gratitude: The Short Film by Louie Schwartzberg