Join Mrs. Colon's Chorus of Support; Every gift is a note in Marissa's Recovery Song!

On December 1st, while having lunch in her classroom, my wife and hometown educator Marissa Colon (Deandres) suffered a large hemorrhagic stroke at just 40 years old. The school nurses saved her life and got emergency services right away. The stroke occurred in a place that was inoperable, so doctors were unable to stop the bleeding. She was sedated and intubated and closely monitored while we prayed for her to stabilize. She spent over a week in the ICU, and now she is beginning a long and challenging rehabilitation journey. Right now, Marissa cannot move her left arm or leg, and her left eye is also affected. Her memory and speech are also impaired, but through her strength and determination we see small progressions each day.

Despite these challenges, our hope and plan is for Marissa to regain what she has lost. With time, therapy, and the support of our community, we are determined to help her recover as much as possible and return to the life and passions she loves.

Marissa is a beloved music teacher for Collier County Public Schools, cherished by both students and colleagues. She can hardly go anywhere in our community without being recognized by current and former students whose lives she has touched through her passion for teaching. For several years, Marissa has been the CCPS Honor Choir coordinator, bringing the community of students and educators together through music. Beyond the classroom, Marissa is deeply involved in our community—she was the Cubmaster of our youngest’s Cub Scout pack and is also a leader in our eldest’s Scout Troop. Her dedication to helping others and building strong connections has made a lasting impact on so many families.

The road ahead is uncertain and will require weeks to many months of intensive rehabilitation. On Friday, December 12th, Marissa was medically transported to a specialized rehabilitation center in Jacksonville, FL. The funds raised will help cover Marissa’s hospital bills, ongoing therapy, and the many costs that come with her being out of work. We also need support for our family at home—her husband and our two young kids—as we adjust to this new reality and do everything we can to help Marissa recover.

Any and all help is appreciated. We cannot express the amount of gratitude we have for the support we’ve already received from the communities around us. Your kindness and generosity will make a real difference in Marissa’s recovery and in our family’s life. Thank you for standing with us during this difficult time. Because of your support, we can look forward to the day Marissa shares her beautiful music with our community again.

For questions, media inquiries, and significant year-end tax deductible donations, please contact Angel Colon (Husband) through this platform.