Melaca has been a registered nurse for over twenty two years. Born and raised in Hawaii, she is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and attended Hawaii Pacific University.
After being diagnosed in 2011, she decided to make a difference and raise awareness about Sjögren’s syndrome. Seeing the need for education, support and resources for those living with this autoimmune disease, she started the support group and lectures.
In 2012 she added lupus to the lectures. The Hawaii Sjögren’s and Lupus Support Group and Lectures has been providing education for both autoimmune diseases at the Queen’s Conference Center.
After much research and thought, The Sjögren’s and Lupus Foundation of Hawaii was up and running in May 2015.
Spending time with her family and working hard to support those living with both Sjögren’s syndrome and lupus are just a few things she enjoys doing when she has free time.
