MLO: The Mission

The Mariana Lee Ortiz (MLO) Foundation was created in honor of Mariana Lee Ortiz — a beautiful little girl whose joy, love, and light touched everyone she met.

Mariana lived with autism, and through her, our family experienced both the incredible beauty and the unique challenges that so many families face every day. She taught us patience, resilience, unconditional love, and the importance of celebrating every milestone, no matter how small.

After Mariana’s passing, we made a promise that her story would continue to make a difference.

The MLO Foundation exists to transform unimaginable loss into hope for others. We are committed to supporting families raising children with autism by providing meaningful resources, financial assistance, community connections, advocacy, and acts of kindness that remind parents they are never alone.

We understand that caring for a child with autism can be overwhelming. Families often find themselves navigating therapies, education, medical care, financial burdens, and emotional exhaustion—all while trying to give their child the very best life possible. Our mission is to stand beside those families with compassion, practical support, and a community that truly understands.