Hello, this is Roxan Gonzales on behalf of a group of friends from John Brown University that are looking for tangible ways to help one of our beloved friend’s family as they navigate his sudden death.

I had the privilege and blessing of spending 4 college years with Marlon. In those 4 years I saw him beat all the odds that his upbringing had against him, I saw him explore his passion for arts, be a friend to everyone that met him, and I saw his heart grow. You could always count on him to make you smile while cracking a joke, sharing a hug with you, or offering to help in any way he could.

Marlon de Leon was born and raised in Guatemala, in 2010 he came to NWA as the recipient of a Walton scholarship at John Brown University.

He was sweet, caring, and funny guy. He was always looking to help others, and offered his unconditional friendship to everyone he met.

A few months ago his battle to fight a strong allergic reaction against seafood started. The ingestion of seafood caused him to develop an allergic reaction that prompted vomit; that ended up damaging his pharynx. Through medical exams the doctors not knowing the source of his illness worsened his pharynx condition which eventually turned into an uncontrollable deadly infection. The infection spread throughout his body to a point that he had to undergo hemodialysis treatments during the last month of his life. Marlon fought with mind, body, and spirit as one by one his organs shut down, and his lungs were at 20% functionality. He had faith he would get better.

From what we gathered the public hospital he attended had no services, trained staff, resources (such as medications). By the end of his care journey his family through sacrifices were able to take him to a private hospital where the news of the magnitude of his illness came to light.

Marlon had his loving sister by his side throughout this illness that turned into a nightmare. His sister gave up her job so that she could advocate for him at the hospital, and provide the care he needed bedside, mentally, and emotionally.

We would love to help his sister covering for funeral expenses, debt she has due to medical bills, and a little extra cushion for necessities. Marlon was devoted to helping her and his nieces throughout his short but purposeful lived life.

Any donation will help as her sister navigates this season of loss, pain, and grief.

Marlon was loved by everyone who met him. His tender smile was a reflection of his noble soul.

We will greatly appreciate your contributions.

We ask that if you can share a memory you have of him so that we can send this in a form of a letter to his sister as well.

We appreciate your help and your thoughts towards his family. This has been a sad reminder that life can become extremely fragile in a blink of eye. I believe we are here on Earth to be a community that supports each other. We all wish we could have hugged Marlon a bit tighter before we didn’t have a chance to do so again.

Thank you all,