Childhood Cancer Warrior: Marlee

As told by her mother

Marlee Munguia is an energetic, beautiful, and courageous 7-year-old girl. She was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in January 2021 and experienced a relapse in September 2023. Throughout her battle, Marlee has endured chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, surgeries, and transplants, spending 90 days in isolation after her second transplant.

When Marlee began treatment in 2021, she started with chemotherapy. However, it was soon determined that her cancer was refractory, meaning it was stubborn and did not respond to standard neuroblastoma treatments. Due to the ineffectiveness of chemotherapy and the large size of Marlee’s tumor, surgery was deemed dangerous and extensive. Her medical team decided it would be best for her to travel to another hospital for the surgery.

After the surgery, Marlee returned to her home hospital to proceed with her next treatment: two back-to-back stem cell transplants. While her first transplant was successful, she faced life-threatening complications during her second transplant, including septic shock, intestinal necrosis, and VOD, a life-threatening transplant complication. After 90 days and with the Lord’s blessing, she walked out of the hospital on her own. Since that day, Marlee’s body has had to endure even more harsh treatments repeatedly. When Marlee relapsed and required treatment again, it was a devastating blow. She dreams of going to school, participating in afterschool activities, and spending time with friends.

Despite these challenges, Marlee lives life to the fullest. She is a proud ambassador at her hospital, where she advocates for childhood cancer. Even at a young age, Marlee possesses the strength to speak for herself and enjoys sharing her story with others. She carries her burdens with grace and strength, her light shining brightly. Everyone who meets her falls in love with her contagious smile. When you meet Marlee, you’d never know she’s battled cancer and spent four years in and out of hospitals because Marlee is not defined by her cancer diagnosis.

Marlee never loses hope and continues to fight for all Childhood Cancer patients like herself.

#MarleeStrong