Help Me Care for My Daughter and Give Her the Life She Deserves

A Father’s Plea for Help, Hope, and a Chance to Be There for His Daughter

My name Marcel Harris,

who is reaching out today with a humble heart, asking for help for my beautiful five-year-old daughter.

As a father, one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced is watching my child go through something that no child should ever have to endure. Even harder is knowing that I cannot always be there with her as much as I want because I’m constantly working to keep a roof over our heads and provide for her needs.

I’m starting this fundraiser because my daughter needs me, and I need a little help getting back on my feet so I can be the father she deserves.

My Daughter’s Medical Journey

On November 15, 2023, my daughter’s life changed forever following a devastating medical emergency at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

Following complications involving her medical care, she suffered cardiac arrest, resulting in severe hypoxic-ischemic brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen to her brain.

She required ECMO life support for several days to help sustain her life. Since then, she has endured numerous medical procedures, surgeries, hospitalizations, and an incredibly difficult medical journey.

Her injuries have permanently changed her life and the level of care she requires.

Today, my daughter is five years old, and she faces significant medical challenges every single day.

She is:

● Nonverbal and unable to communicate through speech.

● Unable to independently support her own body weight.

● Dependent on a wheelchair for mobility.

● Dependent on a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) for nutrition because she cannot physically eat food by mouth.

● Completely dependent on caregivers for her daily activities and personal needs.

● In need of ongoing medical supervision, specialized care, and assistance.

She also attends multiple therapy sessions every week and has numerous specialist appointments and medical visits throughout the month.

Every day requires patience, dedication, transportation, medical coordination, and someone willing to advocate for her needs.

Despite everything she has endured, she is still my little girl. She deserves love, comfort, opportunities, and the best quality of life we can possibly give her.

The Financial Struggle of Being Her Father and Caregiver

What many people don’t see is what happens outside the hospital, doctor’s offices, and therapy sessions.

Behind every appointment is a father trying to figure out how to afford transportation, household expenses, medical-related needs, and everyday living costs.

I’ve lost several jobs because of the time and responsibilities associated with my daughter’s medical condition. There have been countless situations where I’ve had to choose between maintaining employment and being available for my daughter’s medical needs.

Unfortunately, life doesn’t stop because your child is sick.

The mortgage or rent still has to be paid. Utilities still have to be maintained. Transportation is still necessary. Food, household necessities, and other expenses don’t disappear.

I’ve reached a point where I feel like I’m constantly working just to survive financially. If I don’t work, we risk losing our home and not being able to maintain basic necessities. But when I work constantly, I lose precious time that I could be spending with my daughter.

That is one of the most painful parts of this entire experience.

I want to be there for her. I want to attend her appointments without worrying about losing another job. I want to spend time with her, participate in her care, support her therapies, and simply enjoy being her father.

I don’t want my daughter to look back on her childhood and have a father who was always absent because he was struggling to make ends meet.

Seeking Accountability While Trying to Move Forward

There is also an ongoing medical malpractice case involving the circumstances surrounding my daughter’s injuries and medical care at Egleston Hospital.

We have attorneys representing her, and the legal process is lengthy, complicated, and extremely time-consuming.

While we continue pursuing accountability through the legal system, that process does not eliminate the financial responsibilities we face today.

My daughter needs care today. She needs transportation today. She needs therapy, medical appointments, stability, and a parent who can be present today.

We cannot put her life on hold while waiting for a legal case to conclude.

Why I’m Asking for Your Help

I’m not asking anyone to solve every problem in our lives. I’m simply asking for an opportunity to breathe financially and give my daughter more of what she needs most: her father’s time, attention, and care.

Funds raised through this campaign will help with:

● Housing expenses and keeping a stable home.

● Monthly household bills, including utilities.

● Reliable transportation to medical appointments, therapies, and specialist visits.

● Medical-related expenses and necessary supplies.

● Everyday necessities and caregiving expenses.

● Reducing the financial pressure that forces me to work excessive hours.

● Allowing me to spend more time caring for and being present with my daughter.

Every contribution, no matter how small, would make a meaningful difference in our lives.

If you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser with your family, friends, coworkers, or social media community would mean just as much.

A Message From a Father

I never imagined I would have to write something like this.

Nobody prepares you for watching your child suffer from a life-changing brain injury. Nobody prepares you for the emotional weight of medical procedures, hospital stays, therapies, financial hardships, and uncertainty about the future.

But through everything, I remain her father, and I will continue fighting for her.

I want her to have the best quality of life possible. I want her to experience happiness, comfort, love, and opportunities despite the challenges she faces.

Most importantly, I want to have the ability to be there with her without constantly worrying about whether we will have enough money to keep our home or afford transportation to her next appointment.

I’m asking for help because sometimes even the strongest parents need a helping hand.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read our story, for keeping my daughter in your thoughts and prayers, and for any support you can provide.

You’re not just helping a father financially. You’re helping a little girl receive the love, care, stability, and attention she deserves.

With sincere gratitude,

A Loving Father