Support Lauren’s Family: Funeral & Medical Costs

Hi, I'm Jackie, and I'm fundraising for the Marks family to help with funeral & medical expenses for Lauren Marks. Lauren tragically passed away on November 22, 2023 after developing complications from Covid following a much-needed heart transplant in 2021. To say our families are completely heartbroken is an understatement.

Lauren, at only 35 years old, leaves behind her husband Jonathan of 13 years, and 10-year-old daughter Sophia for whom her love was unrelenting. Lauren is my sister-in-law, daughter to Ray Sr. and Camille, sister to Ray Jr, and aunt, cousin and friend to many.

Lauren had a congenital heart disease that put her on the list for a heart transplant at a young age and received the gift of life in 2021 after a nearly five-year wait. Despite her and her family’s extreme caution, Lauren got COVID-19 last winter which severely impacted her already compromised health. She has been in and out of the hospital more times than most people know. Most recently, Lauren was admitted to the hospital in early November due to chest pains and less than a week later, had to undergo an emergency procedure to relieve some of that pain. After the procedure was complete, she unexpectedly went into cardiac arrest and was transferred to the ICU on life support where she spent nine days fighting for her life.

On November 22, Lauren got to fulfill her final selfless act by donating her organs through LiveOnNY.org, paying it forward by passing the gift of life to someone else in need.

Our families are raising money to cover funeral costs for Lauren. Anything beyond funeral costs will go toward remaining medical expenses.

I never expected that I would have to write anything like this. If you're able, a donation of any amount will help Jonathan, Sophia and Lauren's family during this incredibly difficult time. She was taken away from us far too soon and absolutely deserved the best in life.

Feel free to share this GoFundMe far and wide. Thank you so much for your support and empathy.

OBITUARY

In Loving Memory of Lauren Michele Marks (Bailey)

June 15, 1988 - November 22, 2023

It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic passing of Lauren Marks of Tuckahoe, New York, aged 35, on November 22, 2023, after developing complications from COVID-19 following a heart transplant in 2021. Left to cherish her memory are Jonathan, her devoted husband of 13 years; their precious 10-year-old daughter, Sophia; parents Raymond Sr. and Camille Bailey; brother Raymond Jr.; nieces Madeleine, Isabella, and nephew Raymond III; and many more relatives and friends. Lauren's love for her family was boundless, yet the unrelenting love she had for being a mother to her and Jonathan’s miracle child, Sophia Rose, was unmatched. The memories of her unwavering devotion will forever echo in their hearts.

Lauren's spirit was a beacon of warmth and kindness, touching the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her in person, or virtually through the support groups she shared her transplant journey with. She faced life's challenges with grace and optimism, leaving an indelible mark on those around her. Her resilience in the face of adversity, and the connections she made with people, have unknowingly had a ripple effect of inspiration throughout the world.

Lauren received the news at a young age that strenuous physical activity was no longer an option due to a congenital heart disease, which was life altering for someone who was so physically active in her younger years. As an adult, Lauren had to work around a heart condition that worsened as she got older. After Lauren and Jonathan met and he learned of her condition, it didn’t stop him from wanting to marry and build a life with her. Despite almost losing her high-risk pregnancy at 36 weeks due to heart complications, their miracle daughter Sophia Rose was brought into this world.

When Lauren’s heart limited her ability to continue school or pursue a career, she focused on being the absolute best mother to Sophia. Lauren LIVED for her and the amount of time and effort she put into raising Sophia in her short 10 years truly shows—Sophia is incredibly smart, beautiful, selfless and is inspired by her mother's struggles to be a doctor when she gets older.

Regardless of how her ailing heart was adversely affecting her on any given day, Lauren would always put a smile on other’s faces - family, friends and strangers alike. Her medical condition was something she researched relentlessly, and Lauren became a source of information and a strong voice for others in support groups she was a part of. She even helped shape her medical treatment with her doctors.

Lauren’s heart continued failing and was listed for a heart transplant. There were countless trips to the emergency room and countless nights without her daughter or husband. At one point, Lauren’s condition was so severe that she was admitted into the hospital, ‘living’ there for about a month, and ultimately receiving the gift of renewed life in the fall of 2021 after nearly five years of waiting for a perfect match. She accepted it graciously with the promise of honoring her donor hero with every step she took. She was a whole new person and was able to do things she never dreamed possible, even if it was to walk up a slight incline or let alone jog.

Lauren was an advocate for organ donation and volunteered her time to help educate those about the need for donors by telling the story of her journey. She even had a strong following on social media platforms and served as an inspiration for many. Unfortunately, despite extreme caution, Lauren contracted COVID-19 in November 2022. Her compromised immune system began to wake up and reject the heart and her condition went even further downhill. Non-stop ER visits, hospitalizations, clinic appointments, medical testing, and medication followed. Despite all that she continued to inspire and advocate.

Lauren’s support for organ donation has gone full circle. Lauren’s selfless wish was to be an organ donor herself, and donated through LiveonNY.org to save additional lives. In lieu of flowers, Lauren would have encouraged people to consider registering as an organ donor so that you too can give other people a new chance at life.

In addition to the lifelong emotional burden of loss, the family is faced with the immediate practical challenge of covering funeral and medical costs. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been established and we invite friends, family, and well-wishers to contribute in remembrance of Lauren and to support the family during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, dear Lauren. Your light will continue to shine in our hearts, and your legacy will be a source of inspiration for us all.