The Team!

Who We Are

Kathryn Martin

CHAIR

Johnathan's Mom

Kathryn Martin is the Founder of Melanated Melon and the proud mother of Johnathan McCain. She has proudly served her country in the United States Army for 20 years and has since retired from that passion only to take up the mantle on childhood cancer. When she is not serving her community, she enjoys traveling, crafting, reading, fishing and other outdoor activities. Additionally, she holds a Bachelors in Multidisciplinary Studies and Master’s in Business.

This non-profit is important for many reasons, but most importantly to bring awareness to rare cancers like NUT Midline Carcinoma, and to put a stop to the senseless deaths of young people who get them. Rare or not we all want our children to thrive and live through these challenges. Johnathan’s path and his future was extremely bright. He was college bound and working hard academically to achieve his goals. Johnathan was a leader, an advocate and enjoyed community service as much as his mom. My goal is to give all children, sick and well, what I can no longer give my son in hopes that they will, at some point, pay it forward.

Kariema Washington

VICE - CHAIR

Kariema Washington is a retired Army Veteran with over 22 years of service. She holds a master’s degree in Organizational Development and Leadership and has a vast background in Human Relations, Equal Opportunity, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). Kariema’s strong interest in helping strengthen families and communities stems from her experience in building teams, helping them become stronger, more resilient, and more effective.

This nonprofit is important to me because I have always had a strong aspiration to be a part of something meaningful and greater than myself. I have also directly experienced the significant burden and uncertainties that childhood Cancer can bestow on families, friends, and communities. Early detection, excellent medical care, and community support saved the life of my fifteen-year-old niece. Unfortunately, I have also lost many other significant people in my life to Cancer, to include Johnathan. At his young age Johnathan exhibited attributes of a leader, he was enthusiastic, patient, respectful, positive, optimistic, and humble. Most of all, Johnathan was a visible example and role model to everyone around him. If I can assist families by sharing a fragment of John’s love and support, I will do my best to do my part to ease the burden.

Ebonee McCain

Secretary

Ebonee was born and raised in North Carolina. I am a wife, mom of 2, cheerleading coach, small business owner, children’s book author, and educator of over 17 years. My family and I are looking forward to being of service to families in their time of need.

Tonshay Canfield

TREASURER

Tonshay Canfield was born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana. She has been married to her husband Xavier Canfield Sr. for fifth teen years, and they have four sons, Xavier Jr., Xaiden, Xachary, and Xander. She’s currently on Active Duty in the United States Army serving as a Senior Supply Sergeant. Sergeant Canfield’s civilian education includes an associate degree in General Studies from Pikes Peak Community College. She’s currently attending Saint Leo University to obtain her bachelor’s degree in business administration with Logistics.

Melanated Melon Foundation is important to me because it gives me a chance to be a part of something with people I love and care for. I also get a chance to put time into something important to me and my family. Helping people is something I’m passionate about and this organization will allow me to do so.

Kara Cerutti

Board Member

First and foremost, I have a beautiful family. My oldest daughter Aubree is smart, sweet and a warrior. She was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2022. My youngest Carmella is a firecracker. You can always catch that Teeny Tiny Tyrant up to no good with a smile on her face. My husband Rob and I have been together since 2011. We also have two dogs, our fur babies, Babs and Buster and lop bunny, Salty.

During this journey of Aubree having been diagnosed with Leukemia we met Mrs. Kat Martin and have been told of Johnathan’s story. She has been the pillar of strength surrounding Melanated Melon since the beginning.

Being made a board member is serendipitous, I was meant to be placed here in this non profit organization because advocating for EVERY single child that has been diagnosed. God has played a pivotal role, not only in my life but also my daughter’s diagnosis.