We lost our only child, Melanie Markman, unexpectedly to suicide.

Melanie was a nature lover, and her favorite flower was a sunflower. She was passionate about many things including art, animals, family, children and her friends. Melanie had a heart of gold as evidenced to her kindness to everyone. Melanie also had deep compassion for those in need, including the homeless and senior citizens.  

Melanie was an Industrial Engineer and her last professional role was with the Department of Defense near her home in Savannah, GA. She was proud of her home in Savannah because she purchased it by herself, and she had worked hard to put her unique and vibrant character into every square foot of it.

Melanie is pictured below with, Diana, her first dog. Diana ignited Melanie's love for animals. A passion that blossomed into her rescuing animals off the streets of Savannah to get them to safety. She rescued an opossum and even nursed a baby kitten despite her allergies! Then she drove across several states to relocate the same kitten to a good home. There was nothing Melanie wouldn't do to take care of an animal and every animal was worthy of her affection!

Melanie made the world a better place for those surrounding her and we hope to carry that forward in her memory. In doing so, we had two goals:

• To do so in alignment with Melanie's passions and
• To simultaneously impact suicide in a population Melanie cared about

Thus, the idea of adding a greenhouse to the family farm sparked the notion of combining Melanie's love for sunflowers and seniors, and Sunflowers for Seniors was born! 

How We Will Use Donations

Every penny raised will go to benefit seniors in memory of Melanie by expanding our current reach locally in Alabama which all through 2025 has been funded by Melanie's family.

Donations fund growing sunflowers and education to encourage community involvement with the goal of increasing visitation and decreasing the negative effects of isolation.

The family plans to continue to personally fund giving away sunflower care themed care packages to seniors when sunflowers are not in season. These care packages include warm blankets and other fun sunflower goodies to bring unexpected joy into the lives of seniors.

Sunflowers for Seniors is a 501(c)(3) and donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Other Efforts in Melanie's Memory

The family farm has also been used to rescue and/or to restore sick animals back to good health. Among them is, Monty, an Australian Shepherd which Melanie rescued. Melanie's Dad cares for the animals.

When not at work professionally or on the family farm, Melanie's Mom uses her spare time to volunteer as a certified grief counselor, certified mental health coach and to help feed the homeless. She is also continuing her studies in mental health coaching to specialize in suicide.