This fundraiser honors the life and legacy of Marlene Fagundo Torres, a devoted mother, grandmother, and woman whose life was rooted in love, faith, and compassion. Marlene lived courageously with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) for over 13 years, facing the disease with remarkable strength, grace, and perseverance.

Throughout her journey, Marlene remained focused on what mattered most — her family, her faith, and making others feel seen, loved, and valued. Even as ALS progressively took away her physical abilities, it never took her spirit. She continued to live with positivity, resilience, and an unwavering belief in love and connection.

This GoFundMe is being created to establish a scholarship in Marlene’s name, in partnership with the ALS chapter, to honor her life and support others impacted by ALS in place of flowers or other loving offerings. We hope to transform her journey into a lasting impact — offering encouragement, opportunity, and hope to those navigating this cruel disease.

Thank you for helping us carry Marlene’s light forward and honor a life so beautifully lived.

When you’re having a dark day, Marlene would say: “If you can breathe, you exist. You matter. You are loved. Where there is love, there is life.”