Margo grew up in River Falls, Wisconsin, where her mother, Michelle Maher, owns and runs the Falls Theatre. Margo is working towards her bachelor's degree in Psychology at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Margo profoundly loves her family, friends, animals, and music while being a talented artist.

On June 10th, Margo was brought to Hudson Hospital after fighting off COVID-19 to receive IV fluids for dehydration. Although she was testing negative for COVID, Margo remained weak and unable to recover fully. While at Hudson Hospital, she had her blood drawn to ensure everything was okay. The results showed that Margo's hemoglobin level was dangerously low, at 2.8 grams per deciliter (the average level is 13). She was rushed by ambulance to Regions Hospital, where she endured blood/platelet transfusions and a bone marrow biopsy. Unfortunately, the biopsy revealed that her bone marrow cannot make new blood cells. As a result, Margo was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare blood disease that affects blood cell production.

Since Margo was diagnosed, she has received numerous blood and platelet transfusions while undergoing more tests to understand why her bone marrow stopped producing blood cells. As a result, her CT scan showed an unusual growth within her thymus gland that required a sternotomy on Friday, July 15th.

Once Margo recovers from this major surgery, she will begin chemotherapy, likely in September. Her chemotherapy requires a month of inpatient care at Regions Hospital. The chemotherapy will kill her bone marrow and cause her to go into premature menopause. To ensure that she has the choice to bear children in the future, Margo will undergo a procedure to freeze and store her embryos. This fertility procedure is not covered by insurance and will be paid entirely out of pocket.

Margo will then need a bone marrow transplant. Luckily, her brother Michael is a match and is willing to donate. After the transplant, the first 100 days are critical for determining whether or not her body has accepted the marrow. During these 100 days, she will need 24-hour supervision. Finally, Margo will be in recovery for at least six months, and she will be unable to work, drive, or go to school. On top of medical bills, she has to pay for living expenses like rent and groceries. The money donated will go toward these necessities.

Margo's individuality, humor, strength, and passion have attracted an incredible friend group for which we are all extremely thankful. Through this journey, her friends and family have shown their unconditional love and support, not only for Margo but for one another. Margo is an irreplaceable light in everyone's life and is loved by many.

WE LOVE YOU, MARGO!