In 1993, my sister, Patricia Marin, was diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when she was just 19 years old. Doctors discovered nearly 28 tumors throughout her body. One had grown so large it invaded her lung. Her fight for life took place over two long years at Stanford University Hospital in Palo Alto, where she endured unimaginable treatment — experimental cancer drug trials, high-dose chemotherapy and radiation, a stem cell (bone marrow) transplant, and the removal of nearly three-quarters of her right lung.

Through incredible strength and the dedication of her medical team, Patricia survived. She has been cancer-free for 30 years — a true miracle.

But the very treatments that saved her life caused lasting damage.

In late 2019, Patricia began suffering serious heart problems. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed critical care, and by July 2024 she was no longer able to work and was placed on medical leave. Her local cardiologist referred her to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where, in October 2024, specialists delivered devastating news: Patricia now needs both a heart and liver transplant.

The aggressive radiation and treatment that saved her life as a teenager have taken a severe toll on her organs. In January 2025, she underwent a heart valve replacement just to “buy time” while she waits to be approved for a life-saving heart transplant. On October 30, 2025 Patricia was officially approved for a heart and liver transplant.

The transplant process at Cedars-Sinai is long and rigorous, involving extensive medical testing, multiple specialist approvals, and a nationwide donor waiting list. Recovery also requires strong family support and frequent extended stays in Los Angeles.

Over the past months, Patricia has accumulated overwhelming medical and travel expenses. We are humbly asking for your help.

Your donation will go directly toward:

Critical medical bills

Medications and follow-up care

Hotel stays during extended hospital visits in Los Angeles

Every prayer, share, and donation — no matter the size — brings Patricia one step closer to the life-saving care she urgently needs.

Please consider donating to help give Patricia the future she has already fought so hard to keep.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your compassion and support.