Miracle For Mirabel

It was a year ago when I was asked to accompany a friend to the airport. My friend was picking up a girl who was visiting for a few days. I didn't expect to fall in love. But I did. Her name is Mirabel Lee and my life hasn't been the same since. 

After knowing her for only a few short hours, I knew how special she was. On a whim, I asked if she'd extend her trip by a few more days to get to know each other better.

She did. 
The rest is history.

Despite our distance, we've made it work. But now, we have a new mountain to climb. Mirabel has just been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.  

I've packed up my life and temporarily moved to Korea to assist with the battle. She's my miracle, but right now, she needs one. 

-DZ, (Boyfriend)



Mirabel has been one of the hardest working students that I have had the privileged of teaching. Battling through cultural adjustments and language barriers, she has succeeded where many others would fail. Her tenacity combined with true artistic talent has made her an exceptional student.

Mirabel had just completed her 2nd year of our 3-year program at the University of Georgia’s Department of Theatre and Film Studies specializing in Costume Design.

We look forward to having Mirabel back with her UGA family in Athens, GA. Please help us make this possible.

-Ivan Ingermann, (Major Professor)


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Right now, Mirabel is currently in Seoul, South Korea.

She is unable to work while going through treatment, which is adding to the financial strain she is going through.  

Mirabel’s family is of limited means. They are unable to help her financially with this situation. She has a wonderful brother who is nearby, but sadly, her parents are not around. TO PUT IT PLAINLY, SHE NEEDS ALL THE SUPPORT SHE CAN GET.

She recently started treatment involving an extensive regime of alternative medicines believed to be effective at fighting cancer.  She rests a lot and is tired much of the time.  The regime will last for at least 3 months.  She is pursuing the potential of alternatives first before resorting to invasive surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. The hope is that her tumor will improve to make surgery less invasive. In the meantime, she is on stanby for chemotherapy and surgery should her condition worsen.  

To make matters worse, surgeons in Seoul have made it clear that if she has surgery to remove the tumor, they will most likely remove her lymph nodes which can cause lifelong side effects and complications. Because of this, she will be seeking to have the surgery in the U.S where she has a chance of keeping her lymph nodes. 

As for insurance, Mirabel has only the national insurance of Korea to help pay medical costs.  The national insurance will cover most of the costs for surgery and reconstruction if she is removing her entire breast. However, all indications point to a lumpectomy which is only a partial removal of her breast. In this case, her insurance will only cover a small portion of the costs. There are several other requirements that make the actual costs of medical care through the national insurance impossible to know beforehand. Various rules and requirements make it complex and not that reliable.  Given all of these factors, surgery in the U.S. is the best option and we will try our best to make that happen. Donations from the campaign will go towards the cost of surgery and some living expenses.  

No donation is too small. Together, we can create this miracle for Mirabel.

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- Ruby Coates, (Friend / Roomate )
Despite only having known her for a year, it’s hard to imagine what life would be like if I hadn’t met Mirabel. As non US citizens living in Georgia, we bonded over boyfriend discussions and our mutual love of tea. Despite all of my insecurities and anxiety, Mirabel has been one of the few people that has helped me drag my self-esteem from off the ground and raise it higher than it’s ever been before. She has opened my eyes on so many levels, all whilst having her own challenges in life. Now she has one of the biggest challenges she’s ever faced and I want to do everything I can to help her. To see her survive this, to see her take on the world with her incredible spirit, and to go back to drinking tea in our pyjamas, is something I want dearly.  This campaign is critical to get her the care that she needs. Together we can make a miracle for Mirabel. 


- Anna Leckie, (Friend / Schoolmate)
I first met Mirabel when I began working at the costume shop in the last semester of college. The first time I saw her I was taken back by her beauty. She was a gorgeous women who had a style to her that was all her own. I admired it immediately. 

I hadn't had much luck making friends in school mainly because I would keep to myself. Mirabel immediately befriended me and asked me all kinds of questions about my life. I felt warmed by her kindness and her genuine spirit.

Her contribution to my life thus far is bigger than I think she could ever know.

Her beauty, talent, and love have surpassed anything I have seen in most people around me. She is a gift to me and the people that know her. I have pledged to do what I can to help her live her best life. She is very strong and can get through this with the love of her friends.