Marisela's Miracle Foundation

My name is Marisela and I was diagnosed with a rare metabolic condition called LCHAD, at my newborn screening. With this condition, my body is unable to break down fatty foods and turn it into energy. Therefore, I am on a low-fat diet and the simplest things can cause a metabolic crisis.
Ever since I was 9 months, I have been in and out of the hospital, known as the "Holiday-Birthday Patient." This past year I was planning to have a big 10th birthday celebration, but I ended up being hospitalized and almost lost my life during the 89 day stay.  Instead of having the birthday party as we planned, we decorated my room in the hospital with a box full of decorations given to me by a foundation. Although it was not the same as having an actual party, it put a smile on my face because those who saw the decorations wished me a happy birthday and made me feel special, along with my family being able to celebrate it with me. 
This experience, along with the many others I have had, was special because it inspired me to make other children happy on their birthdays as I was. Marisela's Miracle Foundation is about making children smile on their birthday's because every birthday deserves to be celebrated. Within these birthday boxes that I am creating, there will be decorations, a gift, activities, and much more for ages 1-18 years old. My goal is to donate these birthday boxes by the end of this year to celebrate birthdays starting 2018. All donations are very much appreciated, thank you in advance!