Yukon residents are being asked to help a local family keep a young adult’s eyesight. Mark Arambula, a father of a 29‑year‑old daughter named Marlee, announced a fundraiser to raise $30,000 for private medical care needed to treat her keratoconus, a progressive eye condition that has already taken vision in her left eye.
Medical need and family background
Marlee, who lives with Down syndrome, is described by her father as “the happiest person” who loves sports, mascots, dancing and Michael Jackson. The keratoconus diagnosis has caused significant vision loss in her left eye, and doctors warn that without treatment she could become completely blind if the disease progresses in her right eye.
Because the necessary procedure is not covered by insurance, the cost falls entirely on the family. Arambula said the total out‑of‑pocket expense could reach $30,000, a sum he hopes the community can help meet so Marlee receives the best possible care.
Fundraiser details
On Saturday, August 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the family will host a fundraiser at the local Juice It Up! location. A portion of the day’s sales will be donated to Marlee’s medical expenses and to cover travel costs for a treatment trip to California.
“I was just floored to think that someone would reach out to me to help someone like Marlee,” Arambula said, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support. He added, “There are really wonderful, awesome people out there.”
Community response
Neighbors and local business owners have already begun promoting the event on social media and through word‑of‑mouth, encouraging patrons to visit the shop during the fundraiser hours. The effort reflects a broader tradition in Yukon of rallying around families in need, emphasizing the city’s close‑knit, faith‑centered community values.
Organizers hope the fundraiser will not only meet the financial goal but also raise awareness about keratoconus and the challenges families face when essential medical care is not covered by insurance. By coming together, the community aims to ensure Marlee can preserve her vision and continue enjoying the activities she loves.
How to contribute
Anyone wishing to support the cause can visit Juice It Up! in Yukon on the specified date and time. Additional donations may be made directly to the family through a designated online fund‑raising platform, the link to which was shared on the family’s social‑media pages.
The Arambula family thanks all who attend, donate, or spread the word, emphasizing that collective effort can make a life‑changing difference for a beloved community member.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
