Stand With Maria & Sean: Support from the Bliss Community
If you’ve ever sailed with us, there’s a good chance you’ve met Maria.
For the past 9 years, Maria has been a beloved part of the Bliss Cruise family. She’s poured her heart into this community, and right now, she needs that same love returned.
We’re coming together to support Maria and her husband, Sean, as they face an unimaginable medical and financial crisis.
Maria & Sean’s Story
Maria and Sean have been together for 40 years and married for 38. Their lives changed dramatically last year after a Mother’s Day cruise, when Sean contracted COVID. What seemed like a normal recovery quickly spiraled into a devastating series of medical emergencies.
Not long after becoming sick, Sean was rushed to the emergency room and underwent multiple major heart procedures - an urgent triple bypass, along with a mechanical valve replacement. At the time, Sean did not have insurance, leaving them with massive medical bills.
In the months that followed, Sean was repeatedly hospitalized as his health continued to decline. He eventually lost the ability to walk, and despite extensive evaluations, doctors struggled to understand what was happening. After weeks of tests, Sean was sent home still unable to walk.
In February, Maria noticed severe swelling in Sean’s leg and rushed him back to the hospital. This time, the diagnosis was heartbreaking: Sean has lung cancer that has spread to his brain and liver.
While they were finally able to get insurance, it has not covered all of the chemotherapy and radiation Sean needs. He still needs eight more rounds, but now his condition has drastically worsened.
Maria is now left with overwhelming medical costs, uncertainty about future treatment access, and the heartbreaking challenge of figuring out where Sean can receive care next.
Why Your Help Matters
Sean and Maria are facing an impossible situation: rapidly escalating medical needs, unclear treatment options, and crushing financial pressure. Your support will help with:
• Immediate and upcoming medical bills
• Transportation and hospital transfer costs
• Ongoing treatment expenses not covered by insurance
• Potential long-term care needs
• Assistance with basic living expenses while Maria cares for Sean
Every contribution, big or small, will make a direct difference in their fight during the most terrifying and uncertain time of their lives.
Whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this fundraiser with your network, let’s wrap Maria in the same warmth and support she’s given so many of us.
From all of us at Bliss, thank you for being the kind of community that takes care of its own.
With gratitude,
The Bliss Cruise Team
*This fundraiser is being organized by Bliss Cruise with Maria’s blessing, and funds will go directly to Maria to support Sean’s care and related expenses. We’ll share updates as Maria feels comfortable.
