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Marisa was born with hypoplastic left-heart syndrome. The complex cardiac defect required six open-heart surgeries. After her sixth surgery, Marisa developed two life-threatening conditions known as protein-losing enteropathy and plastic bronchitis. Ultimately, she required a heart transplant. The transplant was supposed to extend Marisa’s life, but tragically cut it short when a postoperative complication developed into a rare form of cancer known as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. After radiation and chemotherapy treatments failed to thwart the relentless onslaught of the aggressive disease, which riddled her brain and body, Marisa succumbed to her illness following a valiant battle on January 30, 2017. She was just 13 years old. Despite being hospitalized for more than two years and maintaining hundreds of doctor’s appointments, Marisa lived a vibrant life that inspired.

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The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, which assists pediatric patients and other children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area, is a fitting way to honor Marisa and keep alive her indomitable spirit. It allows her parents, Greg and Cyndi, to give back to the residents of a community that has long provided overwhelming love and support.

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OUR MISSION

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation commemorated what would have been Marisa’s 14th birthday on July 30, 2017 by unveiling its mission statement and strategic plan to help children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area. Community service is an integral part of the foundation’s mission.

Through the generosity of others, who have donated or participated in fundraising events, our nonprofit corporation, since its inception on July 30, 2017, has already made a profound impact, donating more than $300,000 dollars and spearheading multiple community initiatives to assist pediatric patients and other children in need. The Marisa Tufaro Foundation is exempt from federal income tax and recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).

As the foundation continues to grow, so will its outreach. We ask that you please visit this website with frequency to keep abreast of future endeavors.

We encourage you to read in detail about our initiatives – each of which in some way reflects Marisa’s inspirational life – by clicking on the links we have provided.

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