The Team!
Who We Are
Kathryn Martin
CHAIR
Johnathan's Mom
Founder of Melanated Melon | Veteran | Advocate | Mother
Kathryn is the passionate Founder of Melanated Melon and the proud mother of Johnathan McCain, whose legacy continues to inspire every aspect of her mission. A 20-year United States Army Veteran, Kathryn honorably served her country before retiring and dedicating her life to a new battle, childhood cancer advocacy. Outside of her work in the community, Kathryn enjoys traveling, machine sewing, reading, beekeeping, and spending time outdoors. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies and a Master’s in Business Administration, bringing both heart and strategic vision to her leadership.
Melanated Melon was born from deeply personal loss and unwavering purpose, to raise awareness about rare cancers like NUT Midline Carcinoma and to create healing spaces for families facing the unimaginable. Kathryn believes that whether a cancer is rare or common, every child deserves the chance to thrive. Johnathan’s future was full of promise, a college-bound scholar, a servant leader, and an advocate for others. He shared his mother’s passion for community service and touched countless lives with his strength and spirit.
Kathryn’s mission is simple but profound: to give to other children, sick and well, what she can no longer give her son. Through Melanated Melon, she hopes to create a ripple effect of compassion, resilience, and legacy as well as inspire others to pay it forward in honor of children like Johnathan.
Kariema Washington
VICE - CHAIR
Kariema 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
I was born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana. I’ve been married to my amazing husband, Xavier Canfield Sr., for fifteen years, and together we have four wonderful sons, Xavier Jr., Xaiden, Xachary, and Xander. I am currently serving on Active Duty in the United States Army as a Senior Supply Sergeant. In addition to my military career, I hold an associate degree in General Studies from Pikes Peak Community College and am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Logistics at Saint Leo University.
Melanated Melon is deeply meaningful to me because it gives me the opportunity to serve alongside people I love and care about. It allows me to dedicate my time to a cause that is not only important to me, but also to my family. Helping others is one of my greatest passions, and I’m honored to contribute to this mission in a way that uplifts and supports our community.
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.
“For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined.” Psalm 66:10
Tonja Morrell
Board Member
I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve this organization. As a mother and a woman who has faced the unimaginable, I understand the depths of feeling overwhelmed and isolated. In those moments, the support of God and the compassionate women He placed in my life were invaluable. While my personal loss did not involve a child, I am deeply committed to standing beside families navigating profound grief. Whether offering a shoulder to lean on, a hand to hold, or a listening ear, I want every parent to know they are not alone.
I am also proud to share that I was recently crowned the 2025 Miss South Carolina for America Strong on April 5, 2025, following my tenure as Miss York County. These roles have provided me with platforms to advocate for causes close to my heart and to serve our community with dedication. With gratitude, I offer my heart and time to support and uplift others, just as I was supported in my time of need.
Kimberly Stillman
Board Member
My name is Kimberly Stillman, and I am a proud mother of four amazing children — three teenage sons and my youngest, a daughter. Originally from Fort Myers, Florida, I’ve called Fort Mill, South Carolina home for nearly 11 years. It has been a true joy to raise my family in such a vibrant, welcoming community.
I am honored to serve as the 2025 Ms. South Carolina Strawberry Queen, a title that allows me to represent and celebrate the values of grace, service, and community. I also have the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors for Melanated Melon, where I work alongside an incredible team to support and uplift families affected by childhood cancer. This mission is deeply meaningful to me, and I am committed to using my voice, time, and platform to make a lasting impact.