Hi, I’m Marlee! I’m 9 years old and I have Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. That’s a big fancy name that means when I was in my mommy’s belly, the left side of my heart never fully developed. By the time I was four, I had already undergone three open-heart surgeries and many other cardiac procedures to help customize my special little heart so I could grow.

Now that I’m almost double digits, my heart is having a harder time keeping up with me. My doctors have determined that it’s time for me to receive a new heart. While we wait, I have a Ventricular Assist Device called a Berlin Heart to help keep me strong.

This means my family and I will be living at Boston Children’s Hospital for an extended period of time until a donor heart becomes available. While there is still so much we don’t know, one thing Marlee reminds us of every day is this:

“I am brave, I am strong, and I can do hard things.”

We are starting this GoFundMe on behalf of Marlee and her mom, Taylor, who is a deeply loved and loyal member of our Goldfish Swim School family. Taylor has worked with us since March of 2022 and has touched the lives of countless swimmers and families through her dedication, leadership, and care. Many of your children know and adore her.

Our hope is that this fundraiser allows Taylor to take all the time she needs to be fully present with Marlee—without the added stress of worrying about bills, travel expenses, or the everyday supplies that come with a long hospital stay. We want her focus to be exactly where it belongs: on Marlee and her healing.

If you are able to give, share, or keep this family in your thoughts and prayers, it means more than words can express. Thank you for supporting a family who has given so much love to our community.