Mending Marcel

Dear friends and family,

With the blessing of the family, we the family, have set up this GoFundMe to support our beloved Marcel Bendorf and his close-knit family during this challenging time.

Introducing Marcel and His Family

Marcel, a radiant 7-year-old, brings light and laughter into every room. His jovial spirit and ever-present humor make him a mini-comedian, and his immense heart shines through when he rushes to help his younger cousins and siblings. Christopher Bendorf, Marcel's father, manages a financial institution, while Patricia Hernandez, Marcel's mother, has dedicated her career to special education, recently securing a new role as a middle school special education teacher. Together with Marcel's siblings, his brother Angelo (10), and his sister Avery (4), they form a bond as tight-knit as “peas in a pod.”

Marcel’s Diagnosis

A month ago, Marcel began feeling pain in his legs. Initially it was thought they could be growing pains. Shortly after returning home from a trip, the very same day the discomfort and pain arose again but this time more intensified and shifted to his back. They called the nurse and they advised them to go to the ER. After 3 days of being in the ER and exhausting all tests, they found that his blood counts were critically low. And after a bone marrow biopsy, doctors then gave the devastating diagnosis of B-cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Marcel immediately needed to be hospitalized and receive treatment right away. And the very next day, the doctors crafted a comprehensive treatment plan. Now, Marcel is bravely enduring hospitalization, chemotherapy, and a regime of cancer drugs. While often weary, glimpses of his lively spirit continue to shine through, giving us hope each day.

Due to the gravity of his condition, Marcel faces 2-3 years of treatments and cannot start school as planned. This diagnosis came just three days before Marcel was set to join an advanced hybrid 2nd & 3rd-grade class. Concurrently, Patricia (mother) was preparing to step into her new teaching role. With her benefits yet to activate, she's now on unpaid leave, halting her anticipated career progression and expected income. Furthermore, dreams of a new family home they were hoping to buy this fall have been deferred, while birthday celebrations for Avery and Angelo, and soon Marcel in November, are being reimagined.

How You Can Help

We've been touched by the flood of messages from those wishing to support Patricia, Christopher, and Marcel during this ordeal. We hope this GoFundMe can serve as a beacon for that support and allow people to help where they can.

Funds raised will alleviate burdens such as medical bills, hospital stays, care packages for the children, meal expenses, and months of reduced wages.

Our gratitude for the chance to stand with Marcel and his family during this period is immeasurable. The love we hold for Marcel, Patricia, and Chris Bendorf knows no bounds. Their resilience and unwavering commitment in the face of adversity are awe-inspiring.

Any contribution, whether financial or in the form of prayers and well-wishes, is deeply appreciated. Together, we can surround this wonderful family with the support and love they so richly deserve.