In the heart of the Upstate, a courageous nine-year-old boy named Marcelino Leon is facing a life-altering journey. Born with a severe heart defect, he has already endured three open-heart surgeries and is now in critical need of a heart transplant. Despite his medical challenges, Marcelino leads a life filled with imagination and resilience, constructing elaborate Lego worlds and dreaming of the adventures he will undertake once healthy. His sister, Avalon, remembers him as an active, outdoors-loving child who enjoyed riding his ATV and playing at indoor parks.
Marcelino’s condition took a turn with two strokes in the past year, affecting his mobility and accelerating the timeline for a transplant. To manage his condition, Marcelino now carries a portable device to aid his blood flow—a temporary solution that underscores the urgency of his situation. His family, understanding the precariousness of his health, is preparing for a pivotal step: a heart transplant they have long anticipated.
Avalon is spearheading fundraising efforts with the help of the children‘s Organ Transplant Association to cover the staggering costs of surgery, estimated at over a million dollars. Although they have insurance, out-of-pocket expenses loom large. Her determination is matched by the family’s hope and faith that a suitable donor heart will be found. Their upcoming move to the Medical University of South Carolina is a strategic decision to keep Marcelino safe and ready for transplant, as any minor illness could further complicate his condition.
Despite the challenges, Marcelino holds onto his dreams tightly. He envisions a future where he can return to the activities he loves: visiting water parks, revving up his ATV, and even passing his driver’s test. His family believes in his spirit and potential, stating that Marcelino will undoubtedly make a significant impact, showing the world his tenacity and zest for life. As he waits for a new heart, Marcelino continues to inspire those around him with his unwavering bravery and optimism.
