In Loving Memory & Honor of Amanda Marie P. Schlesier

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved daughter, Amanda Marie Perez Schlesier, following a brave journey with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

Diagnosed in 2018, Amanda turned the steep financial and personal burdens of cancer into a mission to help others. Beginning as a volunteer since 2018 with Blood Cancer United (f.k.a. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) as a coordinator, spokesperson, and NJ advocacy leader, and in 2025 as a Campaign Development Specialist.

Her advocacy changed lives nationwide:

1. New Jersey Legislation: She helped pass landmark legislation protecting millions of residents from medical debt.

2. Michigan Protections: She advocated for state medical debt protections in Michigan.

3. National Impact: As the face of the Medical Debt Case Management Program, she helped resolve or prevent over $9.3 million in medical debt for families in need.

Despite dedicating her life to saving others from medical debt, Amanda faced her own past medical expenses without the same support she fought to secure for others. As Amanda once said: "Working alongside Blood Cancer United has given me the opportunity to give power to those who, like the person I was then, need an outlet and a voice in this world."

Now, as our family grieves, we are working to give Amanda the dignified resting place she deserves while navigating significant transition costs.

We have set a goal of $65,000. Funds will help cover funeral and related expenses and essential family expenses during this difficult time.

Any contribution or share of this page means the world to us. Thank you for your love and support as we remember our bright, brave Amanda.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Family of Amanda Marie Perez Schlesier

Vince and Filipina Schlesier (Amanda Marie’s dad and mom)

Mike Morgan (Amanda Marie’s fiancé)

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Note to Donors:

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Thank you so much for your support, kindness, and generosity!

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References:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaschlesier/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuethesun22

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cuethesun22

Blog: https://amandavscancer.wordpress.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/amandavscancer

Publications featuring Amanda Marie Schlesier:

Voices of Strength – Amanda’s Story | Elephants and Tea - September 2024

LLS teams up with advocates to advance policies that protect patients from medical debt | Blood Cancer United

News and Interviews featuring Amanda Marie Schlesier:

New Jersey residents getting $100 million in medical debt relief | CBS New York

Researchers forecast what Trump’s bill will mean for patients: Debt and delayed care | One Big Beautiful Bill effects: Debt and delayed care predicted by researchers | AP News

Medical Debt Relief Featuring Amanda Marie Schlesier, Advocacy Leader | PBS | NJ Spotlight News

New NJ law expands protections for people with medical debt | NJ Spotlight News