After the Arizona Cardinals won the game against Seattle Seahawks, I went to my neighbor’s house to celebrate with them. While visiting with them, I was told about their grandson Marcos.
Marcos was diagnosed with congenital scoliosis at the age of 18 months old –around 2004. In 2007, he was further diagnosed with fused ribs and was referred to a doctor in San Antonio, TX for evaluation regarding a device that the doctor invented with his partner: VEPTR (Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib). In March 2007, Marcos was diagnosed with Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome and was scheduled for placement of the VEPTR in June 2007. He has been having his device expanded approximately every six months prior to original implantation. In December 2013, he had a rod replacement.
After learning that Marcos was going to have surgery for the 14th time, I thought to myself, I need to do something for him. I discovered that he got a Cardinals football for Christmas and asked his Grandparents if I could take it with me to Big Red Rage and get it autographed for him the day before his surgery! They gave me the ball, so my goal became to make Marcos a happy kid!
I arrived at Big Red Rage one hour early, and to my amazement, Calais Campbell got there a half hour later! I walked up to him and told him Marcos’ story and showed him his ball. Without question, he took the ball, autographed it, and also did a video wishing him luck!
Dan Williams of the AZ Cardinals also attended the event, and at the end of the radio show, he also autographed the ball. My goal was completed, but at the end, they called my name because I had entered a contest and won a Cardinals hat autographed by Dan Williams! When I returned home, I gave the hat and ball to Marcos’ Grandmother, and she started to cry! When I received the picture of Marcos with his hat and ball at the hospital, his happiness became my happiness.
Marcos loves playing football with anyone that is willing to toss a ball with him, even if he will not be able to participate in the full contact sport. He loves watching football and he has always supported the AZ Cardinals along with his grandpa. His grandfather was the one who sparked Marcos’ interest in football. He was thrilled to get the video from Calais Campbell which brought tears to his eyes. He will cherish his signed football and hat with hopes to add more autographs soon.
Special thanks to Calais Campbell and Dan Williams for making Marcos’ wish come true.
By: Trish Scott
