Fact: 1 in 285 children in the US will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday. Unfortunately, Marq was one of them.
Marq has a dream, he’d really love to swim with dolphins. And from the sound of it, Marq’s mother is working really hard to make his dream a reality. And with the Super Jake Hero Grant, I hear Marq could be on a plane to sunny Central Florida soon.
Marq is 9-years-old, he’s a Christmas (if you celebrate) baby, born on December 26th. Marq was diagnosed with High Risk Neuroblastoma almost a year ago in June 2021. Since his diagnosis, he’s had everything but the kitchen sink thrown at him, he’s had minor and major surgeries, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and antibody therapy. To date, these treatments seem to be broadly unsuccessful at stymying the cancer. Currently, Marq is in a clinical research study for MIBG therapy at Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Marq and his family are anxiously awaiting the results.
Marq lives in Franklin, IN with his mother and siblings. Typically, his mother says, they would drive by car to get to Florida, but because of his condition it would be best to fly. Flights to Florida are exorbitantly priced, as everyone is jumping at the chance to get away to sun, sand, palm trees, and well dolphins. The Super Jake Hero Grant will give Marq’s mother the means to catch up on bills while allowing her to afford the airfare and other trip expenses to Florida.
We sure hope that Marq sees that dream become a reality very soon!
