In Sickness, in Health, and Through Advocacy: When Love Becomes Action

It all began 18 years ago. That is when Belinda met her husband, Marcel, who is currently serving a 12-year sentence in the federal system. “We were best friends before we were anything. We met on the river,” she says, her voice soft with memory.

In 2021, Belinda and Marcel eloped in Kentucky. No announcements. No witnesses. Just the two of them, a preacher, a house surrounded by acres of open land. “It felt like a fairytale,” she says. “One of the most wonderful experiences of my life.”

But then Marcel’s life took a turn, culminating in his prison sentence. “When he left, it was absolutely terrible,” Belinda says. Still, Marcel reminded her that love sometimes means walking forward, even when it hurts.

That is exactly what Belinda did, she continued to walk forward. Marcel’s mother, Fernande, became critically ill and needed full-time care. Belinda sold her belongings, gave notice at work, and moved in with Fernande. Through illness, COVID, and moments when they feared losing Fernande, Belinda stayed. “She reminds me of my own mother,” she says. “She is phenomenal.”

On Fernande’s 93rd birthday, Belinda woke her with a dance. “I told her I couldn’t sing, but I could dance,” Belinda laughs. “She said I really made her birthday.”

Belinda’s advocacy stretches across prison walls and hospital rooms. As a FAMM member, she fights for Marcel and for a more fair justice system. She comes to FAMM Zoom trainings, contacts her lawmakers with her concerns and questions, and is a vital part of the advocacy community. She does all this while caring for his mother, holding space for both. “I get lonely without Marcel,” she admits. “When it gets heavy, I go outside, cry, breathe, and walk our dog, Bear. He’s our best friend.

Belinda is a caretaker, a wife, and an advocate. Her story reminds us that advocacy is love in motion. Love that shows up. Love that stays. Love that honors vows, even when tested by distance, illness, and time. Love that fights for justice — and is part of a larger community. “It’s not the destination,” Belinda says. “It’s the journey.”

You can be like Belinda and fight for your love and for justice. Text 40419 to FAMM now!

The post In Sickness, in Health, and Through Advocacy: When Love Becomes Action first appeared on Families Against Mandatory Minimums Foundation.