We are truly grateful for visiting Marco's Family’s Fundraising Page for the 2024 Cleveland Congenital Heart Walk! Raising funds for CHD research in memory of our Heart Angel Marco Marcel, is personally very meaningful to us. We feel that supporting other families affected by CHD is the most honorable way to keep our sweet Marco's memory eternal.

Every 15 minutes in the United States, a baby is born with a congenital heart defect, making CHDs the most common birth defect in our country. The Congenital Heart Walk is dedicated to making a difference. Our mission is clear - we aim to raise funds to support The Children's Heart Foundation in its quest to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs by funding groundbreaking research.

OUR STORY

Marco was an identical twin (Twin A) that was diagnosed in utero at 20 weeks with a Congenital Heart Disease (HLHS). It was anticipated that Marco was critically ill and that it was unlikely he would survive minutes to hours after birth without intense interventions. Twins Marco and Santino arrived on April 12th, 2021 at the CC Main Campus. An echo was done and determined that Marco's had a condition less severe than anticipated (CAS with Intact Atrial Septum) and surgery was needed immediately. We were told this information was wonderful news because this meant he would eventually live a healthy and fulfilling life. We were over the moon to receive this news.

Over the next 3 ½ months, Marco fought endlessly to be a part of our world. Throughout that time Marco underwent 4 cath procedures, an open heart surgery, and a tracheotomy due to his development of lung disease. Marco truly was our miracle and showed us that true miracles do exist regardless of his outcome. We were not suppose to get minutes with him, but God had other plans for all of us.

Over time, Marco’s little body grew tired. Marco gained his angel wings on August 2, 2021 in the arms of his mommy and daddy. Marco's sweet face, and the message that he sent to all who loved him will live on deep in our hearts forever. The gifts and lessons he had given us, including the critical health information affecting Marco's Mom and his twin Santino, we will be eternally grateful for.

A million thank you's to everyone who supported Marco and our family on his life's journey as a Heart Warrior and who continue to carry the lessons and gifts our Heart Angel left us with on this earth. #TeamMarcoAlways 

We are happy to announce the launch of the 2024 Marco's Miracles T-shirt/sweaters for the Cleveland Congenital Heart Walk!!! Each year we reflect on Marco's journey and create our shirt to represent where our family is in our healing journey. This year, as we continue to watch Marco's brothers Brandon and Santino grow to become happy and healthy boys, one thing that has gotten us through our struggles is gratitude. Gratitude for our heart angel and all he taught and instilled in us, our entire families health, and blessings that continue to be revealed to us each year following our angel gaining his wings. His actual heartbeat still remains on the front of the T-shirt representing his heart beating strong as we wear them proudly in his memory. Thank you all for your continued support to our team Marco's Miracles in keeping our heart angels name eternal while helping others overcome the obstacles of CHD

 Marco's Miracles CCHW 2024 Tshirt/sweater Link