As the first announced recipient of a 2021 Marisa Tufaro Foundation Greater Middlesex Conference Student-Athlete Scholarship, the story of award winner Rania Alaboura may end up being the most poignant.
Marisa, who would have been a senior this year at Edison High School, and Rania were best friends.
Born with a complex cardiac defect that required six open-heart surgeries, Marisa developed two life-threatening conditions that necessitated a heart transplant.
The transplant was supposed to extend her life, but tragically cut it short when a postoperative complication developed into a rare form of blood cancer to which Marisa succumbed following a valiant battle on Jan. 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.
“Her story is so powerful and beautiful that it inspired me to keep pushing in life whenever I felt like I had nothing left,” Rania said. “Marisa was not only my best friend, but she was like a sister to me.”
As Rania graduates from Edison High School this week, she will do so with a 3.5 grade-point average and a resume that included varsity competition in soccer and track and field. Rania was also a member of the Spanish Honor Society and Art Honor Society.
“This means a lot,’’ Rania said of receiving a scholarship in her best friend’s name. “Especially being Marisa’s close friend. When she passed away it was hard on me, especially at a young age. So, receiving this award, it just means a lot … having her name and everything.’’
The two met in fifth grade when Rania transferred from Washington Elementary School to James Monroe Elementary School.
Marisa, already a student at Monroe, quickly bonded with the new girl.
“I was dreading the first day,” Rania said. “I had no friends, no confidence, and no command in how the day would play out. When she saw me, her polite greeting felt warm with her accompanying smile. She questioned if I was new, but it didn’t matter to her or me. I had made a new friend.’’
The friendship only grew.
“We’d hang out after school, and we’d come up with the craziest games, play with dolls and watch our favorite TV shows together and always have either popcorn or Cheez-It’s. She was just a beautiful person, so creative in so many ways. And that’s one thing I loved about her.’’
Rania’s own creative interests are taking her to Middlesex County College, where she will study Media and Arts Design and Advertising Graphic Design.
“I am super organized,” Rania said. “When it comes to parties at my house, I’m always the person to organize them and put decorations up. So, that’s why I want to become an interior decorator.’’
Rania plans on playing soccer – specifically in net – at Middlesex County College. After earning an associate’s degree, she hopes to transfer to Kean University or NJIT with the goal of studying Interior Design.
“My goal is to design the inside of people’s houses and maybe have my own company or business.”
Edison High School Visual Arts teacher Shelly Colletto doesn’t doubt Rania’s aspirations.
“She is a great problem-solver and her solutions are both well-conceived and well-executed,” Colletto said. “She merged her personality and technical skill into a style all her own. She has a sophisticated understanding of design and balance which was evident in her work. Rania has worked hard on several projects for the school community and National Arts Society, and I have never known her to turn down any request for volunteer work.”
Patrick Clark Jr., a track and field coach at Edison High School, is equally impressed with Rania’s qualities. She competed in field events including the shot put, discus and javelin.
“I have always known Rania to be of sound character, being compassionate, disciplined, honest, sincere, and having a great sense of ambition in track and field,” Clark said. “She has been one of my most loyal and kind athletes when it comes to her team.”
Rania and Marisa never shared high school. Marisa died in the middle of the girls’ eighth-grade year.
“If I had one wish,’’ Rania said, “I would have wanted the chance to say goodbye to her and to let her know that her energy and personality will never be forgotten. I promised myself that I would never give up and be the best person I can become to everyone and anyone.
“Overcoming her death made me stronger as an athlete every day in a soccer game or on the track. I look up and ask for her to guide me and to help me succeed in my everyday journeys.
“I know from heaven above that she is looking down and she watches every goal and dream I have accomplished.
“Marisa was a warrior, and my hero.”