What People Are Saying to Melanie Roach

Melanie,

You do not know me, but I have heard about you on the news and have
been following your journey to the olympics. I am so happy for you!

I am 5'0 and 100 pounds, so you are a role model to me and alot of
other small young women out there. I am 20, so there are alot of
pressures to be as thin and frail as possible, but seeing a strong,
powerful successful woman like you has given me another idea of how I
want to be.

Thank you so much for being such a positive role model for me. I will
be watching you and cheering for you in China. Best of luck!

-Erin
UNC 2010 (and Melanie Roach supporter )

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I just finished watching ABC's world news. I have to say that I normally would never send an email to a stranger but after watching their spot about you I was over taken by pride and compassion. I just wanted to wish you all the luck in the world with your olympic hopes as well as dealing with the daily difficulties of raising your son. You are a role model and an inspiration and I salute you.

Very sincerely,
James

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Hello Melanie and family

I don't think I have ever sent a random e-mail like this-but was so touched by your amazing story in the New York Times (and the online video). I just wanted to say how inspiring you are to "regular" moms like me. Your patience and strength, especially with your boy Drew, are amazing. I am sure there are challenging and heartbreaking moments but really, your approach and your strong marriage are just uplifting to see (pun intended!)

I am e-mailing this story to many mom-friends to be inspired also. Please know we are rooting for you in your Olympic quest and rooting for your family in life.

Best Wishes!
Trish
(Richmond, California)

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I was checking the local news from back home a couple of days ago & I came across a story about a “local mom shows strength on and off platform” to be honest, I was only interested because you guys were from Bonney Lake. As I read on, I realized we had a lot in common, both went to Auburn High, made a come back, back injuries, kids around the same age, and now living in Bonney Lake, so I thought I would write this letter to show support, pride and perhaps feel closer to home by writing this so here goes…

I attended Auburn high in 1994-1995; in 1996 I transferred to the new “Auburn Riverside High school” where I competed in football & weightlifting. Lifting was a new sport for me, I wasn’t great, always 2^nd or 3^rd to a guy who I swear was “juicing” that guy was stacked & I always wished they would move him out of my weight class! After graduating in 1997, I had plans to join the United States Marine Corps but didn’t. Instead, I got married had my daughter & moved to Orting.

I joined the United States Marine Corps after 9/11 and in November of 2004 my son was born. From birth he looked different & my wife blamed herself. He was diagnosed with “microtia” it’s a deformity of the ears. One month later, my boots were headed to Fallujah, Iraq. I headed to the Middle East not knowing if my son could hear or not. While deployed I got injured and ruined my ankle, back, right knee & got diagnosed with tension headaches. I ended up getting ankle surgery & later got diagnosed with chronic back pain. I did everything from rehab, TENS machines, injections & epidural shots to relief the pain. My only & last option was surgery, which I said no.

I fought a medical discharge, proving that I was capable of standing my duties. It was foolish because I couldn’t, but pride got in the way. In late 2006 I moved from Orting to Bonney Lake, turns out my son can hear, but you have to almost yell to get his attention. Spent many days at Children’s Hospital & now he goes to a “pre” pre school if you will in Puyallup (across Good Samaritan Hospital) where he attends a speech therapy class for about 2 hours.

Well, now it’s May 27, 2008, I find myself across the world again in a place called “the horn of Africa” with lovely neighbors like Somalia. Turns out my son can hear me on the phone if I yell & he wears his hearing aid. His speech is not quite there, but he can say “hi dad” “bye dad” pretty good. I also have a 3^rd child on the way, a boy! Next week to be exact!

I feel closer to home by writing this, being a cross the world, a family back home that needs you, children that cannot comprehend why mom or dad is gone. You know, when I arrived at Sea tac Airport in 2005, I got some dirty looks as if I had robbed a store or something! I am glad to see someone is getting positive attention! I’m glad you are putting Bonney Lake on the map. You have one proud neighbor in Africa!

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I saw your story tonight on ABC World News Tonight. It is truly inspiring to see what you have accomplished. Like you, I am a mom of 3 children. In fact, mine are also 2 boys and then a girl!! My husband is a CEO of a finance company here in Delaware and we have very busy lives - much like your family. I have donated to your Olympic quest because you have given me hope tonight.

I heard mention on the show that you had surgery for a herniated disc before you began all of your weightlifting. I have a large herniation in my L5- S1. I have had 2 spinal steroid injections and still find myself in tremendous pain. It is the absolute worst when I am sitting. But, it is preventing me from doing a lot of my "mom" stuff. Do you mind if I ask if you had a discectomy? I have heard so many negative things about back surgery and you must have had an amazing outcome to be able to lift 249lbs!! I don't know whether to risk surgery -- but I have tried most other options. Although I have as yet to try chiropractic.

Anyway, I know your next days & weeks will be very busy -- but if you have a free moment sometime in the future -- I would so appreciate hearing how you did with surgery.

I wish you the very best in your upcoming endeavors. And I thank you gratefully for encouraging people in ways.I'm sure you're not even aware.

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Saw you on our local (New York City) news this evening. You are awesome! What an inspiration to all people, especially mothers. If God brings us to it, he will see us through it. Best of luck, wishing you every strength, physical and spiritual.

I just saw the news piece about you on ABC News. You are truly an inspirational young woman! Stories like yours are what all children need to hear! You will be in my prayers as you go forward in competition! God bless you!

I just want to say thank you for being the person that you are, you are an inspiration to us all. I have a son who's 21 now, he has Asbarger's syndrome. He lives a great life, and with his parent's support is very productive. With your help, your son will be no different. Love is the key and always let him know that he is no different than anyone else, because his life is normal to him and to those that surround him on a daily basis. I wish you well in your quest to make the Olympic team. You are one of those people that your outward strength is obvious, but it is the inner strength that you possess that will change the lives of all you come across. God bless you.

I just saw you were named person of the week on the ABC nightly news. It was a good thing to see on the news for a change. I wish you the best of luck, and I look forward to seeing you in the Olympics.

I just saw the Person of the Week segment of ABC Evening News and I was captivated by what you have accomplished in your life so far with much more to come, I am sure. I am a Speech/Language Pathologist and I loved the part of the segment that told about your precious son, Drew! Focusing on what he is able to do as a child with autism and building upon those skills is so crucial and you get that.

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I just saw the ABC Person of the Week segment about you, and I picked up on the fact that you counseled with "your bishop" about Andrew, and I said, Hey, she's got to be a member of the church, too! Congratulations on all that you've achieved so far, and we wish you and your family nothing but success in the future. You're an inspiration in more ways than one!

Regards,

Ron

Just saw the story about you on ABC news. Great story!! Its very inspiring to hear about good people like you.

A friend of mine forwarded me the link from your ABC spotlight with Charles Gibson. I just wanted to say Congrats on making it #1 on the Olympic team. My oldest son has autism (he's now 8) and I have two other "typical" kids- a girl and a boy. I'm also a member of the church. I got chills when I watched your clip and read the article. You are so inspiring. It's wonderful knowing someone out there is living a life similar to mine (minus the world champion weightlifting part!).
Good luck in all you do- thanks for being an amazing role model!

Okay, so I was watching the ABC news on Thursday night, which I NEVER watch. It was just on in the background and I saw a clip for the show the next day and a blurb about you. I knew I recognized you but I couldn't place where from, then it hit me! So, I had to rewind the commercial and watch again and set the DVR to record the show for Friday night. So, I watched it this morning before church and you had me crying... First of all, I didn't know Drew had Autism and for that I am so sorry. But what really hit me is when you talked about going to see the Bishop and he said this is exactly what you signed up for. Wow! that was very inspiring for me...so Thank You. That statement hit home about what we signed up for, it kind of gives you a determination to face the challenges. I'm so proud of you and Drew is so lucky to have you as his Mother. I googled you after that to see if you had made the Olympic team and found out that you did! So CONGRATULATIONS there! I will be watching out for you and telling my friends...I know her, lol.

Do you have a blog or anything? Or is the melanieroach.com website the best way to stay up to date?

Take Care!

SINCE I’VE READ ABOUT YOU IN THE NYT AND OTHER PLACES I’M SURPREMELY IMPRESSED. THANK YOU MELANIE.

I JUST CAN’T USE THE EXCUSE THAT I DIDN’T HAVE TOME TO TRAIN SINCE I’VE LEARNED ABOUT YOU.

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Yours is a truly inspiring story. My wife, Juliene, is an olympic silver medalist (1976 USA basketball). I know the sacrifices we made well before our children were born. I can only begin to imagine what sacrifices you and your family have made.

As former residents of Spokane our family will be looking forward to seeing you on the medal stand in Beijing.

Thank you for all you are doing to proudly represent our country at the 2008 Olympics. May all your dreams be fulfilled.

My wife and I were both very touched by the segment on ABC news tonight about you and your family. God bless you. Thank you for being the witness that you are to generous self-giving and to loving parenthood.

I saw your program on TV and just marveled at what a courageous women/mother/wife and fellow American you are. You are an inspiration to all women who have to go through challenges every day of their life. To raise an Autism child, train for the Olympics and take care of your other children/home/husband and business is just awesome. You should get a gold star each and every day. You are truly one of the most amazing women I have ever witnessed. I am sitting back feeling sorry for myself going through my 2nd divorce which I do not want and thinking what a looser I am and then I listen to your story...it taught me that you make the life you live so get off your butt and get out there and live.

Just wanted to tell you that my wife and I saw you on ABC News' "Person of the Week." Your story truly touched us. We wanted to tell you what an inspiration you are to so many people for all that you do and all that you already have accomplished. Good luck this summer, we'll be rooting for you.

I was inspired to contact you after seeing your news segment on Dateline. I currently have goals of being a competitive weightlifter, but don't know how to get started. How did you go about it at the beginning? I've been weightlifting for 6 years and have minimal improvement. What type of workout and diet program do you follow?Any help you could provide would be appreciated.

I am 36 with two small children. You are an inspiration to a new generation of strong and healthy women.

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My name is Ernestine from Memphis, Tennessee. I just saw a news clip that featured you and I want to wish you the best in your Olympic journey. When I heard you mention that you went to speak to you bishop I thought "she must be LDS." I too am LDS and am so excited to see an LDS mom persuing her dreams along with being an awesome mother, especially with the challenge of having an autistic son. I am still single, not a mom yet of course, but you are quite an inspiration to me. Thank you for showing that being an LDS mom isn't about ALWAYS being in the kitchen or baking bread or cleaning the house. Cookie-cutter. Don't get me wrong, these things are important, I understand that, but I've always felt that it's important for mothers to find a little bit of "me" time and do something they have a passion for. I think this helps one to become a better mother. This Olympics has a special place in my heart because my 14 year old cousin David will be a part of the Paraolympic games in Beijing. He's legally blind. I don't know if your paths will cross, but if they do, wish him luck. Once again, thank you for being a great example and an inspiration. Good luck at the Olympics and God bless you and your family. We may never meet, but just know you'll have someone rooting for you in Memphis, Tennessee.

I am a divorced mother of three and I know that God has given me strength on my journey in motherhood and I just saw your story on internet news / abc I believe it was.

I just said a prayer for you as I realize you are in Atlanta today to compete. You are an inspiration and so is your son and family.

My name is Mary Roach and I just saw the segment on you on the ABC News Person of the Week. I wonder if we are related somehow. I live 30 miles outside of Atlanta. I wish you the best in your competition today, tonight and tomorrow. I am a high school teacher and coach. Your story, well your life story really touched my heart. Your patience, strength, and perseverance all came through to me; especially when you talked about your son’s diagnosis and the struggle with your role. I love your website Team ROACH. I’m Coach Roach, but like Team ROACH! Do you have a t-shirt that says Team ROACH? Thanks for everything you do and for allowing your story to be told. I am the youngest of four and I have a brother named Dan. He lives in Florida. Ironic? Keep training and working hard. I’m with you in spirit.

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Anyway, I know your next days & weeks will be very busy -- but if you have a free moment sometime in the future -- I would so appreciate hearing how you did with surgery.

I wish you the very best in your upcoming endeavors. And I thank you gratefully for encouraging people in ways.I'm sure you're not even aware.

You go girl!!!! Best of luck tomorrow! As a Mom of 2 autistic boys, I find your strength and positive outlook inspiring! Do you do speeches or motivational talks? My husband & I run a sports programs for autistic children (soccer, bowling, basketball & golf) and through this organization we have been able to develop a wonderful group of parents that have the same outlook you have and I would love to have you meet them. We are on the East Coast – outside of Philadelphia. If you are ever in the area, we would love to meet you.

My name is Mary Phillips and I just saw you tonight on World News ABC where you were the "Person of the Week". It was inspiring to see you not only in your gift in weightlifting but also as a Mom with an Autistic son.

I have 3 boys with Autism and know and understand the heavy burden you carry with and without weights. I wanted to wish you good luck when you qualify for the Olympics. Just remember there are many Moms like me who are there with you in spirit hoping you make it!

Congratulations in advance on making the 2008 Olympic Team. It is surely meant to be. How wonderful that among all of your gifts you found this one called weightlifting, it is breathtaking.(literally)

You absolutely glow with purpose and love. Your family is blessed to call you Mom, wife, and partner.

Good for you!!! Your winning attitude is an inspiration to me. It's so easy to get caught up in the normal difficulties that challenge us every day. Today I've got an ant problem. Last year it was my renters. Tomorrow it'll be something else. "Live in the moment" is a great attitude. I'll be following your progress and pulling for you.

I watched world news and I am so touch about your story. I pray that you will reach your goal to win and to have more patience and love to your family and esp to your very special child. We applaud you. God bless you!!!
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Bess

Dear Melanie:

My family and I enjoyed seeing you on Charles Gibson's News.

To overcome a back injury is impressive for regular folks much more so for a weight lifter. My wife struggled for more than two years with a back problem. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Good luck!

If use egg whites or low carb / controlled carb as part of your diet then abzfood.com might be helpful.

God be with you,
Keith

Cadillac, Michigan

I saw your story on CBS Sunday Morning and I just finished watching "A Heavy Load". Simply put, you are amazing. Beautiful, strong and dedicated to your family and dream. I will be watching and cheering for you as you make your dream a reality in Beijing.

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