This is Mariel's dad, Phil. I've had the great joy of being Mariel's technical help and second set of eyes for She Persisted by Mariel since the beginning. A few months ago she asked me to write this final post for her.
Shortly after the last post (Inclusion in Sports, Sep 2020) Mariel acquired a skin infection that she and doctors would battle throughout 2021. An already difficult journey became much more so, as she forged ahead to graduate from the University of Florida and launch her career. We watched Mariel push aside the discouragement and frustration day after day to do what she loved and pursue her goals while pursuing every possible avenue to restore her health.
Sadly, her body wasn't as strong as her spirit. But before she passed away she left us an incredible example of faith, love, and persistence.
September 30 – Mariel worked her last Braves game with her colleagues at the Truist Club, as the team clinched the NL East
October 21 – Mariel entered hospice care at home
October 28 – the University of Florida Academic Policy Council voted unanimously to grant Mariel her Bachelor's of Science in Sport Management
November 2 – the Atlanta Braves won the World Series
December 5 – Mariel passed from this life into the next
We are so sad to lose her, so proud of the life she lived, and so thankful to all those who made her life wonderful.
Her final post to Facebook:
Mariel and Her Dad
October 28, 2021
I’m so sorry for your loss, I’ve followed Mariel’s journey since being directed to her blog by a fellow wheelchair dependent patient. May God send his angels to comfort and strengthen you all in perfect peace.