When Melvin’s daughter, Jasmine, was 2-years-old, she was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer, Ewing’s Sarcoma. His family traveled across the Carolinas to meet with different doctors at pediatric treatment centers to get Jasmine the best possible care. While on the road, the Melvin family met countless other children fighting their own battles, and their families who were experiencing similar heartaches and struggles as his own.

Jasmine lost her battle six months after her initial diagnosis. While her passing devastated Melvin and his family, it lit a passion in him for helping other families who are personally affected by pediatric cancer.

“Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas is providing an incredible service to families across South and North Carolina, plus much more,” Melvin said. “I am proud to be part of an organization that helps children who are battling pediatric cancer that also helps families that need the help and resources. From personal experience, I know the struggle these families are facing and I’m excited to play a small part in providing the much needed assistance the partners at CCP offer.”

“Ryan Melvin is the perfect addition to our board,” said CCP Executive Director Laura Allen. “Not only does he understand what CCP families are going through, but his passion for helping others shines brightly and he will be a true asset to helping CCP achieve its mission of providing immediate, comprehensive and continuous support to children battling cancer throughout the Carolinas.”

Melvin resides in Columbia, S.C. and works for the South Carolina Department of Commerce where he recruits new companies and works with existing ones who are looking to expand their operations in the state. Prior to joining S.C. Commerce, Melvin worked as a Sales Manager for the Columbia Metro Convention Center and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also worked in Business Development for the S.C. Chamber of Commerce.