Melissa Mae Carlton Shares Heartbreaking Diagnosis for Late Daughter

Influencer Melissa Mae Carlton has shared updates on the condition that led to her daughters' deaths. Her youngest daughter, Molly, was diagnosed with PPA2, a genetic mitochondrial condition, and it is likely that her older daughter Abigail had the same.

Molly's Diagnosis

Molly passed away in 2025 at age 5 after being diagnosed with PPA2, a rare condition transmitted by carrier parents. Two years earlier, Abigail died unexpectedly at age 9. Carlton and her husband Tom have two other children.

The family is currently conducting tests to see if anyone else in the family may have the disease, seeking prayers from supporters. She reflected on the time spent praying for their family during this challenging period.

Coping with Loss

Carlton expressed feeling betrayed and grappling with the loss of both daughters within such a short time span. She described efforts of medical teams trying to save Molly after a cardiac event, which ultimately proved unsuccessful.

In her Instagram caption, she discussed wrestling deeply with faith following Molly's death in December 2025 and trying to understand why these tragedies happened.

Finding Answers

After months of testing, answers emerged about the cause of her daughters' cardiac events. The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Foundation played a crucial role by providing support and enabling genetic testing.

Carlton encouraged other families experiencing similar losses to seek guidance from the foundation. She thanked everyone who offered support and prayed for them during their difficult journey.