Hi, I’m Gina, and I’m organizing this fundraiser for Marcus and Maya as a close family member who has seen firsthand the kind of dad Marcus is.

If you know Marcus, you know he’s the dad who always shows up. He’s steady, present, and never stops putting Maya first. He rearranges his schedule, drives the miles, makes the calls, and does everything he can to stay connected and involved. His love and commitment to Maya are clear to everyone around them, which is why so many of us admire him as a father and as a person.

It’s not just Maya who feels that love. Everyone who meets Marcus sees it. Friends and family notice the way he interacts with their kids and how natural he is with them. Then they see the bond he shares with Maya, and it is unmatched. As an elementary school gym teacher, he brings that same patience and encouragement to every child he works with. He is not just a dad; he is a mentor, a role model, and the kind of steady presence that kids look up to.

Marcus is currently involved in a custody case because he wants more time and a greater role in Maya’s life. Right now, the time he has with her is limited, and like any parent in this situation, it is incredibly difficult. What he wants more than anything is the chance to be a bigger part of her daily life, not just for himself but because he knows it is what Maya deserves as well. This fundraiser helps ensure that money is not the obstacle preventing Marcus from standing up for that.

✨ The heart of this case is simple. Marcus wants to be Maya’s primary parent, providing her with daily stability while making sure she continues to receive time and love from both parents. At its core, this is not about sides but about doing what is best for Maya and ensuring she grows up surrounded by love and stability.

We cannot share every detail here because family court is complicated and private, but what we can say is that Marcus is doing everything he can to protect Maya’s stability and future.

What many people do not see is the toll family court takes. It is complicated, emotional, and expensive. Legal fees add up quickly, and although Marcus has carried this responsibility with strength, it is more than one parent should have to shoulder alone. This does not take away from his ability to provide for Maya; it is simply the reality of navigating a system that requires lawyers and filings to protect what matters most.

The truth is, it is not always easy for dads to show how much they matter in their child’s life. Marcus has done exactly that repeatedly by being steady, consistent, and deeply present for Maya. This GoFundMe is a way for those of us who love them to make sure the legal process does not stand in the way of what matters most: Maya having a dad who shows up for her every single day.

Every contribution, no matter the size, goes directly toward attorney fees. Even if donating is not possible, simply sharing this page or sending encouragement helps more than you know.

On behalf of our whole family, thank you for standing with Marcus and Maya. Your support means a great deal, and it truly makes a difference. Maya is lucky to have a dad who shows up for her every single day, and Marcus is lucky to have a community that shows up for him as well.

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✅ Disclaimer

This fundraiser is intended solely to help cover legal expenses related to Marcus’s custody case. It is not meant to discuss details of the case, assign blame, or criticize anyone involved. Our only goal is to support Marcus in being fully present for Maya.