Standing Strong for Melanie: A Call to Support One of Our Own

For years, Melanie Henry Pennebaker has been a driving force behind disaster relief in the agricultural community. In 2017, she created the Wildfire & Disaster Relief Ag Community Facebook group—a place where farmers, ranchers, and volunteers could come together to support one another in times of need.

Since then, Melanie has dedicated herself to coordinating relief efforts during some of the most devastating wildfires and disasters our agricultural families have faced. She has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, often in close partnership with our DRH President, Levi Foss, spending countless hours on the phone late into the night. Together, they’ve helped identify drop zones, connect overlooked families with critical supplies, and build the kind of strong relationships that bring hope where it’s needed most.

Melanie has sacrificed so much of her own time, resources, and energy to make sure others were cared for—farmers and families who might have otherwise been forgotten. Her compassion, grit, and determination have made an immeasurable difference in people’s lives.

But now, Melanie is facing a battle of her own. She has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that has metastasized to her bones. After years of health struggles and a delayed diagnosis, she is in the fight of her life. For someone who has spent nearly a decade giving to others, asking for help is not easy—but it is necessary.

💔 Melanie has never asked for support for herself before, but now she needs her community to stand with her.

How You Can Help

We’ve launched the Melanie Strong T-Shirt Fundraiser to directly support Melanie in her fight against cancer.

• Each shirt purchased donates $10 directly to Melanie

• 100% of proceeds go straight to her

• Orders are open through September 14, 2025, and will be printed and shipped by Illusions Screen Printing Company

By purchasing a shirt, you’re not just adding to your closet—you’re joining a community effort to stand with someone who has stood with so many others.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/a387n9tf

Let’s Show Melanie She’s Not Alone

If Melanie has touched your life—through her group, through disaster relief efforts, or simply by her compassion—we ask you to honor her with your support. Buy a shirt, share the fundraiser, and keep her in your prayers.

She has carried the weight of others’ burdens for years. Now it’s time for us to carry hers.

Together, let’s be Melanie Strong.