Mario Ramey
2004 Community Hero
Nicknamed “Rio” by his mother and sister, Mario is nothing if not a fighter. Diagnosed last year with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, a rare form of cancer, Mario, 11, has gone through intensive radiation and chemotherapy treatments. As a result of his disease, Mario suffers hearing loss.
He loves baseball, Playstation games and tacos. Apparently, like many boys his age, he has a soft spot for flashy, pop-star Beyonce Knowles.
Above all else, Mario is known as a very caring child who is quick to love, laugh and bravely weather the storm. His strong sense of hope and faith have carried him far in the fight. Mario’s mother, Antoinette, is constantly amazed at how deeply her son cherishes every moment.
