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My name is Maren McFarlin, and I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my dear friend, Siara. Siara and I were close friends in high school, and while adulthood and distance have kept us apart over the years, we’ve always found ways to reconnect—even if just once a year. That bond, that friendship, has never gone away. Watching her navigate this unimaginable journey with her daughter, Charlotte, has moved me deeply. I want to come alongside Siara and Justin in any way I can to support them during this time. By reading below, you will learn about Charlotte's recent cancer diagnoses and her current fight.
Her Story:
Our hearts are breaking as we rally around our beautiful 13-year-old Charlotte, who has just been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of liver cancer: Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma (FL-HCC).
What started as a sudden case of jaundice quickly turned into a devastating diagnosis. Doctors found a large tumor in her liver that had invaded her bile duct and potentially her portal vein, blocking her body’s ability to remove toxins. Since then, Charlotte has undergone countless procedures, including stent placements, biopsies, and the painful insertion of a port for chemotherapy—all while her future remains uncertain.
Charlotte’s cancer is extremely rare, and the treatment process has been filled with conflicting opinions, misinformation, and heartbreaking setbacks. At one point, doctors said she was ineligible for a life-saving liver transplant due to small lung nodules they previously told the family were “nothing to worry about.” Then another specialist came in and told them transplant was still possible. The uncertainty is unbearable.
Recently, Charlotte suffered a terrifying anaphylactic reaction to a medication pushed through her port—a reaction the staff failed to warn the family about. Her oxygen dropped dangerously low, and she nearly lost her life. If her parents hadn’t been in the room, we don’t know what would have happened. No parent should have to scream for help while watching their child slip away. No child should endure so much.
Through it all, Charlotte has remained a fighter. Her spirit shines even during the darkest days. She lights up every room she enters, especially when she sees dogs—her favorite companions during hospital visits. Her Mama calls Charlotte her sunshine girl, and it’s easy to see why.
Siara and her husband Justin have had to drop everything to be by their daughter’s side. Siara has closed her daycare. Justin is missing work. Their other children are being cared for by family, and yet they’re all doing everything they can to hold each other up.
This GoFundMe is to help ease the enormous burden this family is carrying. Your donation will help cover:
• Lost wages from Siara closing her daycare and Justin missing a good amount of work.
• Travel, food, and lodging costs between hospitals
• Charlotte’s ongoing treatment, including chemotherapy, hospital stays, and possible transplant
• Emergency and aftercare as her body fights this aggressive cancer
• Care for their other children while mom and dad focus on Charlotte’s treatment plan.
We don’t know what tomorrow holds for Charlotte, but we do know this: she is loved beyond measure, and she deserves a fighting chance.
If you feel compelled to give, to pray, to share—please do. No amount is too small. Your support means the world to a family who is facing the unthinkable with strength, courage, and unwavering love.
We are also searching for a living liver donor for Charlotte.
If you or someone you know has the blood type O, is healthy, between the ages of 18–55, and willing to explore becoming a living donor, please consider filling out the application. All medical expenses for the procedure will be fully covered by Charlotte’s insurance.
Even if you’re not a match, sharing this information could help connect us to the person who is. Thank you for considering this life-saving gift.
From the bottom of our hearts - Maren, Siara and Justin
Organizer and beneficiary
Siara Shelton
Beneficiary