
Your support and contributions will enable me to fund Marlee's List and help patients in need.




Marlee’s List organizes services for critically and chronically ill patients and their families—things like housing, meals, transportation, and mental-health support—so you can find help fast. We highlight nonprofits such as Ronald McDonald House, FedEx Family House, and the Forrest Spence Fund, and we’re continually expanding the list so no family has to navigate a crisis alone. My mission is simple: serve the whole patient, whole family by turning compassion into a clear, clickable roadmap to help.
When I was born prematurely, my parents and family were suddenly thrust into a world of uncertainty, long hospital days, and constant worry. Those early weeks were filled with monitors and specialists that no parent expects to face. But through it all, they were surrounded by incredible support. Loved ones brought meals, gift baskets, and comforting visits, giving my family strength in a season that felt overwhelming. Non-medical services and small acts of kindness helped ease their burden, providing moments of relief and helping their days feel a little lighter during an otherwise heavy time.
When I was just one year old, after being a very sick baby for months, doctors discovered a 10-inch cyst on my liver, and I had to undergo life-saving surgery at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. During that terrifying hospital stay, my parents and siblings found comfort at the FedEx Family House—a place filled with warmth, compassion, and hope. It wasn’t just a roof over their heads; it was a sanctuary when everything else felt uncertain.
In January of 2024, doctors discovered that I was born with hip dysplasia. After a lot of discussion, we decided that the best path forward—so I could continue doing the sports I love—was to undergo a hip osteotomy at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. A portion of my pelvis was cut, realigned, and secured with screws to place everything in its proper position. I spent three nights at Le Bonheur, and during that time, I was surrounded by the most incredible support. Friends and family filled my room with visitors, gift baskets, and so much love. And one moment I’ll never forget: the Forrest Spence Fund provided a meal for everyone at the hospital during one of my nights there. Because of all of these people providing non-medical services, my life during this time felt so much lighter.
More recently, I watched my grandparents face another kind of battle when my grandmother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She endured travel back and forth to MD Anderson in Houston for treatments. The long, exhausting drives and financial strain were an enormous burden on them. Seeing their struggle opened my eyes to how much families endure—physically, emotionally, and financially—when illness takes over their lives.
These experiences taught me how powerful community support can be. Too often, families facing medical crises are left searching for help with the things insurance doesn’t cover—like a bed to sleep in, meals, or transportation to appointments. Through Marlee’s List, I make it easier for those families to find the support they need when they need it most. My goal is to bring light and direction to families walking through the same darkness my own family once faced.
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