2015 Mother of the Year

The owner of a private practice providing cosmetic and dental health services, Dr. McLean -Markes is committed to giving back to the community.  She currently volunteers with Person to Person and the National Black MA Association mentoring high school and college students.  She has provided care in the Stamford school system for the last ten years; has mentored professionals, and provided professional outreach/missions at the local, state, as well as international levels for 20 years.

 

 In 2012, her son was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and they entered a world they knew nothing about.  She and her husband educated themselves about the many issues surrounding blood cancers and became advocates.  They have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of bone marrow registry participation.

 

Through the formation of Kyle’s Corner, which actively promotes and participates in various fundraisers supporting cancer causes, they mobilized hundreds of people who held donor registry drives. She has traveled and presented at conferences to speak on the issues facing families and patients.  She has appeared on NBC and traveled to Jamaica, WI Pediatric Oncology conference to speak on the issues facing families and patients.  While Kyle lost his battle with Leukemia in 2013, his legacy continues through his parent’s ongoing involvement and the many people who have committed to continue the battle.  Since 2013, Kyle’s Corner has found 14 matches for people awaiting a bone marrow transplant.

 

“My son’s motto was “Never Give up”. Failure is not falling down, it’s choosing not to get back up when you have the opportunity.  I am driven by the sense of community and the ability to make a difference no matter how small. Everyone can find a way to do good for others. What most don’t realize is you are actually doing good for yourself. Inherently we know we have been designed to live for something greater than ourselves.  My passion has always been focused on children.  I have been blessed with the ability to use my skills for over  20 years to help those less fortunate abroad and here in the US through mission work in dentistry. My service as a board member for the Horizons program and as a board member for the CT/Westchester Leukemia/Lymphoma  Society is very dear to my heart. There is no  difference too small.”