Hi
I’m Marco.. a 17 year old, highly energetic and loveable young man. I have a younger brother Lucas whom I absolutely adore, a dad and a mum who love me to infinity and beyond!
Mum’s helping me write this and she tells me first and foremost I am not defined by my disability.
When I was born I cried heaps (and I mean heaps..) and didn’t reach those important milestones. Drs thought mum was crazy and couldn’t cope.. but after lots (and I mean lots of testing), I was diagnosed at 3 years old with a rare genetic defect called 2q23.1 chromosome abnormality. (There were about 20 known cases worldwide at the time- but with testing, technology and accessibility we know there’s more now).
In simple terms- I have life threatening epilepsy, Autism, an Intellectual Disability and require 24/7 care.
Before I go on- let’s be clear these labels don’t define me- I am a loveable, likeable, energetic, funny, quirky young man who loves electronics, you tube, Mr Bean, Peppa Pig, horse riding, the movies, reading and above all spending time with my family.
Yeah, there’s a lot of things I can’t do on my own (eating, dressing, showering, going out..), but my parents have always focussed on what I CAN do and what I enjoy. I know my alphabet can type some words and can count to 20.
This foundation is one I hope you get behind and support, given there’s heaps of kids like me that need support just to live a happy life.
Funds can help not only us kids.. develop and live our lives to the fullest.. but our families.. as a lot of people forget the backbone unit. The pressures are immense, care is 24/7 and family dynamics change.
We’re fortunate to be living in a society where we have access to services and products that make our lives accessible- communication devices that give us a voice, books that read to us, cutlery that help us eat, modified bikes and programs that are inclusive- for ALLabilities.. so we too can swim, hang with carers, go on outings. Above all - we’re fortunate to be surrounded by our families that love us regardless and want what’s best for us and them.
We live in a society where there is no normal- where difference is accepted, celebrated and nurtured. We’re blessed that our wider community is willing to help those in situations a little more challenging than their own. So get behind this cause and make a difference..
