Marcella Macready-Santos
2004 Community Hero
Five-year-old Marcella may be small for her age, but her zest for life most certainly is not. The same goes for her dynamic personality and desire to learn. Trips to OMSI, the Children’s Museum and the park are among her favorite activities. Among her favorite playmates are her siblings, Amanda and Julian, her best friend Maddy, and her baby doll “Maya.” Marcella also loves spending time with her speech therapist and playing in the dollhouse at school.
In 2000, Marcella was diagnosed with Costello Syndrome, a very rare genetic disorder affecting both physical and mental development. Today, there are only about 150 reported cases worldwide. For Marcella, her diagnosis means a lot of testing, poking and prodding, along with ongoing speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, and multiple hospitalizations.
According to her mother, Dawn, many thought Marcella would never walk or talk. “But she’s doing it all. She’s even learning English and Spanish.” What strikes her family and her teachers most is Marcella’s unwavering persistence in the midst of so many challenges. “Marcella tries hard at everything – and won’t let anything stop her. Her ‘can-do’ attitude makes her a great role model for other kids.” She’s a testament that heroes come in all sizes and ages.
