Help JR’s Daughter, Melodia,
Heal and RecoverA community recovery fund for the daughter of a beloved JCC Tenafly coach

• Click here for JR's updates

Goal: $250,000
Raised to Date: $114,286

• Donate Here

Tax-Deductible Donations-Click Donate Here For Info

100% of donations go directly to Melodia’s support.

Many of you already know Melodia’s story — because many of you know her father.JR Inman has spent years coaching, mentoring, and guiding our children through the JCC Tenafly basketball program. He has been a role model and steady presence in the lives of hundreds of kids across the Englewood and Tenafly Jewish community.When JR’s 6-year-old daughter, Melodia, became critically ill while traveling in West Africa, the community didn’t hesitate.To date, hundreds of people have donated through GoFundMe and community channels. Because of that response — and because people acted quickly — Melodia is alive and receiving care in the United States.

On November 19, 2025, the Englewood and Tenafly community along with Hatzolah Air led the emergency coordination effort as Melodia’s condition became critical.Over the next 72 hours, medical professionals, volunteer responders, and logistics teams mobilized across continents.By November 22, 2025, Melodia was safely transported and admitted to Boston Children’s Hospital.The speed and coordination of this response were extraordinary given the medical, logistical, and international complexity involved.

When Melodia’s condition became critical, the initial belief was that approximately $100,000 would be needed for emergency transport. Early fundraising began, and about $20,000 was raised quickly.As medical assessments progressed, it became clear that standard transport options would place Melodia at serious neurological risk.At that point, Hatzolah Air, led by Eli Rowe (CEO, Hatzolah Air), mobilized a full emergency response. Over 18 volunteers coordinated in real time.The medically appropriate solution was a direct Gulfstream G5 medical transport — a fully staffed, state-of-the-art flying ICU — with physicians, medical staff, specialized equipment, and a dedicated flight crew.Because time mattered more than money, the $165,000 cost of the flight was fronted immediately as a loan so there would be no delay in care. That emergency debt has not yet been repaid.

Through community fundraising, volunteer mobilization, Hatzolah Air, medical professionals, Chabad outreach, and institutional support, people came together to protect a child’s life.This was not abstract charity. This was community responsibility in action.A real Kiddush Hashem — lived, not spoken.

• Donate Here

Tax-Deductible Donations-Click Donate Here For Info

100% of donations go directly to Melodia’s support.

This fund is structured as a 12-month recovery and family support fund for JR’s daughter.Since Melodia’s hospitalization, JR has been traveling to Boston every week — leaving Thursday nights and returning Sundays — to be at his daughter’s side while continuing to support his family and responsibilities at home. This has been the family’s reality since November.This fund supports:– Repayment of the emergency medical flight loan
– Hospital care and specialist treatment
– Neurological recovery support
– Physical therapy (PT)
– Occupational therapy (OT)
– In-home care services
– Augmentative educational support
– In-home tutoring during recovery
– Family travel and lodging
– Stabilization of the family during prolonged treatment and recovery

Melodia Updates:

Monday, February 23, 2026:

Hello Friends,
Sitting in this blizzard in NY. Stuck at home with nothing to do. Thinking about how gratefulI I am for the care of the nurses, doctors & Spaulding Rehabilitation Center. This is the most crucial part of Melodias recovery. The next 3 months will pave the way for what the next 30 months will look like. With your continued support, Melodia will be continue to recover. Every therapy session, every exercise every gesture of emotion matters. Keep praying for her please & thanks to all. In the words of Melo “I Love you So Much”!!!
-JR

Monday, February 2, 2026:

After two long months, doctors have confirmed Melodia is officially cured of the meningitis infection. We weren't sure if she'd ever walk again but Melodia is getting stronger every single day. All she talks about now is getting back to the JCC tumble room! Melo is still recovering at home and hasn't returned to school yet. Three months is a long time for a little girl to be away from her friends and classroom. The good news is her physical abilities are improving every single day. We are working closely with her care team to support her emotionally as much as physically. We know she'll get there.
-JR

Monday, December 15, 2025:

The Boston Bruins visit Melodia at Boston Children's Hosptial.

Monday, December 8, 2025:

Melodia carries emotions of laughter, anger, and every vibration in between. She gets frustrated when everyday tasks she once did with ease now feel difficult or even impossible. As her parents, Kelly and I choose to celebrate her progress—no matter how small each step may seem. Because the truth remains: she is still moving forward. And moving slow is still a go.Melodia recently struggled while adjusting to new medication. The other day, she was on the phone with her grandmother, Vovo, while trying to take her meds. It took almost an hour for her to finish. Thirty minutes in, with Vovo gently encouraging her, Melodia suddenly shouted, “Be patient, Vovo!”It was the sweetest, funniest, and most powerful reminder we could have received.In that moment, Melodia reminded us all what this journey is really about—progress over perfection.Melodia Inman is our hero. She is a symbol of imperfection, fortitude, and true strength.We love you, baby. We are all here for you. Let’s grow. ✨
-JR

Tuesday, December, 2 2025:

The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Currently Melo has function only in her right arm but her resilience inspires us every day with her focus and strength. She may not have everything she wants right now, but she makes the most of what she has — and that’s a powerful lesson.Melodias Promise: Life for me Ain’t been no Crystal StairToday Melodia is undergoing her 4th MRI as doctors monitor how much of her infection has cleared. Cape Verdean strong and New York tuff, our 6-year-old is facing a PICC line procedure and an MRI on an empty stomach in the same day!Keep the prayers coming. We love you all and truly appreciate the support.
-JR

Wednesday, November 26, 2025:

Chabad Visit