Students and staff at Harry S. Truman Elementary School in Sayreville conducted a “Jump Rope for Heart” fundraiser to benefit the American Heart Association and donated an amazing $13,400.07 to the American Heart Association in Marisa’s memory.
Caroline Whalen, a physical education teacher at the school and the daughter of Greater Middlesex Conference Executive Director Frank Noppenberger, helped orchestrate the event.
The annual event is designed to teach youngsters the importance of lifetime cardiovascular fitness, as well as raise funds for the American Heart Association. Students have fun while simultaneously learning about the benefit of regular exercise and the value of teamwork.
Participants collected donations from family and friends to support the American Heart Association.
Marisa Rose Tufaro
Whalen and other teachers discussed with their students the importance of being “heart healthy” and explained why the school was raising money for children who were born with “a sick heart.”
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 needed 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 Stage IV 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.
Our foundation is grateful beyond words that the students and staff at Truman Elementary School honored Marisa by making an incredible donation to the American Heart Association in her memory.
Matthew Rodriguez, a first grader, was the Truman Elementary School's number 1 Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. He raised an unbelievable $1,000. We are most impressed with and very proud of him! pic.twitter.com/QvkoxS8b3N
— SayrevilleK12 (@Sayrevillek12) March 6, 2018