Sudden Passing of Mark Lee: Help Us Through This Tragedy

Hey everyone! My name is Markeena Lee, and I never imagined I would need to start a GoFundMe for my father.

Last year, I did everything I could to keep him alive. He needed a new heart and was ready to give up, but I pushed him and drove him from Perris, California to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills because his life needed to be saved.

He spent about three months there before being transferred to Loma Linda, where he stayed for about eight months. By the grace of God, he received a new heart.

He was released just before my birthday last year, which was the best present I could have asked for. When he was released from the hospital, my mother Trina and stepfather Paris took him in and helped care for him. Do you realize how much strength and love that required? They played a crucial role in jump-starting his journey to recovery.

But fast forward to a year later, and yesterday my dad was found unconscious in his bed. He was preparing to return to Loma Linda because he couldn't keep food or water down.

Tragically, my 11-year-old sister had to perform CPR until paramedics arrived, but he couldn't be saved.

Anyone who knew my father knew he was the life of the party. He enjoyed life to the fullest and was the funniest person I knew. I never saw him truly upset; he laughed everything off. He never missed church and always had a word of wisdom for us.

My dad was incredibly hardworking and always willing to help anyone in need. If you called him, he was there for you. He had a passion for both hard work and sharing the teachings of the Bible.

I’m going to miss him so much. This came so unexpectedly, and it's the hardest thing I've ever faced. I wouldn't wish this pain on anyone. If you still have your parents, hug them close and tell them you love them. Life is so short, and you never know when you’ll speak to your loved ones for the last time.

Please keep my family in your prayers. To my Mississippi family I’ve never met, I’m sorry it had to come to this. I love you all and thank you so much in advance.