Support Merlyn's Journey to Recovery

Merlyn, a bright, compassionate Medical Assistant and devoted student working toward her Bachelor's in Medical Administration, was building a future full of promise and hope. Her husband, Juan, a proud United States Army Veteran with a Bachelor of Science degree, was on his path to becoming a Physician Assistant and committed to a career in serving and healing others.

Together, they are true soulmates: partners in every sense, lifting each other with unwavering love and an unbreakable bond that has inspired all who know them.

Tragedy struck in late March when Merlyn suffered a sudden and devastating medullary hemorrhage, leaving her fighting for her life in the ICU for 32 days. Against incredible odds, Merlyn is still with us, which is a testament to her strength and the love that surrounds her. However, her road to recovery remains uncertain. She now faces a long journey through rehabilitation, with no clear timeline for when she will be able to return to her devoted husband, Juan, and their newborn baby, Juan Jr.

Merlyn and Juan are cherished members of our UMass Family Medicine and Community Health family, and now, in their time of greatest need, we are coming together to lift them as they have lifted so many others. This GoFundMe campaign is being launched to help ease the overwhelming financial burden they now face, allowing Juan to focus on supporting Merlyn's healing without the crushing weight of everyday expenses.

Every donation, no matter the size, will make a powerful difference in their journey to bring Merlyn back where she belongs—back to the loving arms of her husband and baby and back to the bright future they have yet to live.

Thank you for standing with them. Thank you for believing in hope, healing, and the extraordinary power of love.