Dave Coulier, who became a household name starring in the 90s sitcom "Full House," is currently in the fight of his life.
He announced back in November that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The woman by his side, his wife Melissa, is on a tireless mission to help him — while helping others in Michigan communities.
Melissa sat down with Scripps News Detroit to discuss the holistic methods they're using to go with chemotherapy, and how she is contributing to the community through her own wellness efforts with women.
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"He has some really tough days, and as the chemo has been accumulating it gets a little tougher and more difficult," Melissa said.
The Couliers moved back to St. Clair Shores in 2019. Dave's joy and humor have helped guide him through this battle with cancer.
"He has such a positive attitude, and you need that in order to really fight it. Every morning, if he's feeling up for it, we try to put on a song and do a little dance party with the dogs, because when you do feel good, you have to celebrate that too," Melissa said.
The 65-year-old, known to so many as Joey Gladstone, has shared updates on his health on the 'Full House Rewind' podcast. He has joked about his hair, the hats he's wearing, and the cold Michigan winters.
Melissa said his strength comes from family.
"I think it's just innately in him. He has had a lot of loss in his life when it comes to having to deal with cancer. He lost his mother, his sister, his niece. His other sister had it," she said. "I think for him, he takes every stride and really pulls strength from seeing the women that were so close in his life to powering through it, and he just wants to honor them," she said.
Melissa's focus is on Dave, but she is also carving out time to help women. Melissa and her fellow co-founder of Live Well Lead Well, Melanie Samuels, have a Feb. 19 summit for women's wellness at Emagine Palladium.
"We are going to be speaking to female leaders, whether that is a female CEO, or someone in politics, or the leader in your household," Samuels explained.
They hold private summits, but the launch with Emagine is an exciting step in spreading their efforts. Melissa was actually Samuels' first client when she was dealing with chronic pain from lupus.
"We are dedicated to empowering female leaders in order to live a whole picture approach with holistic wellness," Melissa said. "Our whole-person approach to nutrition, intentional movement, and mindfulness will kickstart your health journey."
As for the continuing journey in Dave's health, Melissa said they continue to lean on friendship and community.
"He's so beloved, and so that really helps. Everyone is really rallying around all of us," she smiled.
For more information on the Live Well Lead Well summit at Emagine Palladium on Feb. 19, click here.
This story was originally published by Scripps News Detroit.
