Why Influencer Melissa Mae Carlton Allowed Fundraiser After Child’s Death

Influencer Melissa Mae Carlton allowed members of her inner circle to create a fundraising campaign to cover her medical and funeral bills after her daughter Molly’s death.

“I have to also say thank you as I know there are a couple of fundraisers getting passed around for us,” Melissa wrote via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, December 27, referring to husband Tom Carlton and their family. “We were asked last time if we would like one set up, but we said no because [we] did not need the help.”

Melissa and Tom’s daughter Abigail died at age 9 in April 2024. The next year, their younger daughter Molly died on Thursday, December 25, following an undisclosed health issue.

“This time is quite different, though, with lots of different expenses, complications and unknowns,” Melissa wrote on Saturday. “And so, experiencing this kindness is an overwhelming thing to experience. People are amazing.”

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

“I hesitate to share a medical update already because we still don’t have an official diagnosis,” the influencer wrote via Instagram earlier on Saturday. “I do feel it’s important to let people know that we have some answers this time. The doctors believe Molly had a genetic heart condition and suspect this may have been the case with Abi, as well. I’m sharing this because I believe it could be critical information for families who have experienced SUDC (sudden unexpected death in children).”

Melissa explained that Molly’s doctors reached their conclusion after the toddler was “able to be monitored in the hospital.”

“We were not able to do [that] with Abi. I’ve never felt satisfied with the answers we were given for her,” Melissa added on Saturday. “But this type of condition, we’ve been told that even a minor illness could potentially trigger a sudden cardiac event.”

Ahead of Molly’s death, Melissa noted that she and Tom “witnessed many small miracles” during her brief hospitalization.

“Paramedics were stationed just three minutes away and arrived quickly. The pediatric trauma centre was only fifteen minutes from where we were,” she wrote. “We were in the best possible place, with everything aligned for the best conditions and the best outcome. Her little body fought so hard. 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 be doing more genetic investigation for our family now we have possibly a clearer avenue to explore.”

Melissa and Tom announced Molly’s death on Friday, December 26, noting that they were “devastated” by her sudden illness.

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