Maryelena Clark, who spent her life using her expressive face and magnetic personality

to attract and care for others, while simultaneously tenaciously battling mental illness,
passed away on July 6, 2017. She was 27 years old. She is survived by her loving parents,
Paul and Molly, and her three brothers, Daniel, Tony, and Carlos.

Maryelena was born August 29, 1989, in Colombia. She was soon adopted by Paul and
Molly, who provided a loving home to her and her three brothers. Maryelena held her
own as the only girl of her siblings. Her brother, Daniel, fondly remembers her “never
taking crap from anyone” and having a surprisingly hard punch. She carried this
toughness through every challenge in her life. Maryelena had Ehlers Danlos and bipolar
disorder, health issues that often required hospitalization. Through these dark periods
she remained willing to battle, trying every treatment available despite harsh side
effects.

For one particular therapeutic effort, Maryelena traveled to the deep woods of
Wisconsin in sub-freezing temperatures to go camping. For five weeks in the dead of
winter, she lived in a tent, cooking all of her own meals over a flint-based fire. She wore
snow shoes and went ice fishing. Although many would find this undertaking
intolerable, Maryelena embraced the challenge, using her fondness of the outdoors to
persevere.

Maryelena was very gifted at self-expression, through both her appearance and writing.
She liked frequently changing her hair length and color, sometimes dying it purple or
green. Maryelena conveyed her feelings through poetry, often writing words of
appreciation for her parents and brothers. She enjoyed regularly communicating to her
family how much she loved them.

Maryelena acted as a magnet for people of all stages of life. Her openness and expressive
face caused children with special needs whom she would care for to adore her. Many
considered how good she was with children to be a ‘mutant power.’ At the same time,
she effortlessly befriended those at least twenty years her elder whom she met through
her therapies. They were attracted to her cynical humor and warm heart. They called
Maryelena in their worst moments, counting on her to always provide unprejudiced
advice and comfort.

As part of the Anatomical Donor Program at the Georgetown University School of

Medicine, Maryelena has continued this powerful legacy. She taught future physicians
the intricacies of the human body, willing them to use this knowledge to heal thousands
of future patients. For this gift, we are truly grateful.

- Katie White, MS3

Georgetown University School of Medicine