Why Influencer Melissa Mae Carlton Chose to Host a Fundraiser Following Her Child’s Passing

Influencer Melissa Mae Carlton permitted her close friends to initiate a fundraising campaign to assist with her medical and funeral expenses following the passing of her daughter Molly.

“I must also express my gratitude as I know there are a few fundraisers circulating for us,” Melissa shared through her Instagram Stories on Saturday, December 27, mentioning her husband Tom Carlton and their family. “Previously, we were asked if we wanted a fundraiser set up, but we declined because [we] didn’t require the support.”

Melissa and Tom’s daughter Abigail passed away at the young age of 9 in April 2024. A year later, their younger daughter Molly died on Thursday, December 25, due to an undisclosed health issue.

“This situation is quite different, with various expenses, complications, and uncertainties,” Melissa wrote on Saturday. “Experiencing such kindness has been overwhelming. People are truly wonderful.”

Melissa and Tom, who also have children Lily and Harry, have yet to receive an “official diagnosis” regarding the cause of Molly’s passing.

“I’m hesitant to provide a medical update because we still lack an official diagnosis,” the influencer posted on Instagram earlier on Saturday. “However, I feel it’s essential to inform people that we have some answers this time. The doctors suspect that Molly had a genetic heart condition and think it might have been the case for Abi as well. I’m sharing this information because it could be crucial for families who have faced SUDC (sudden unexpected death in children).”

Melissa explained that the doctors concluded this after Molly was “monitored in the hospital.”

“We couldn’t do that with Abi. I’ve never felt satisfied with the answers we received about her,” Melissa added on Saturday. “But with this condition, we’ve been informed that even a minor illness could potentially trigger a sudden cardiac event.”

Before Molly’s passing, Melissa mentioned that she and Tom “noticed many small miracles” during her brief hospital stay.

“Paramedics were stationed just three minutes away and arrived promptly. The pediatric trauma center was only fifteen minutes from where we were,” she wrote. “We were in the best possible place, with everything aligned for optimal conditions and outcomes. Her little body fought valiantly. But we’ve been told that this type of cardiac event is, in most cases, not survivable. I hope we will get more answers soon and will conduct further genetic investigations for our family now that we may have a clearer path to explore.”

Melissa and Tom announced Molly’s death on Friday, December 26, expressing their “devastation” over her unexpected illness.

“We are devastated, in disbelief, confused, and in shock. We feel exhausted and shaken after a day filled with trauma and heartbreak,” the mother of four expressed at that time. “I feel numb. I cannot yet accept that this is real. I’m not ready for this pain. … I am scared of what life looks like for us now. My heart breaks for our children.”