Medical Help for Marissa Gross

Hi, My name is Mary and I am fundraising for Marissa Gross and her family. Marissa is an athletic, funny, smart, and beautiful 15 year old sophomore at Ithaca High School. She was recently diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta type 4. Osteogenesis imperfecta type 4 is a rare genetic disorder that effects the bodies collagen, cartilage, and bones. There is not a cure, only a treatment plan to ensure that she lives with minimal bone injury and pain.

This has changed her life in a matter of months. She has suffered significant trauma resulting in multiple surgeries. Discovery of the genetic disorder has answered the question of why so many injuries in the past, but also brought about many changes for Marissa and her family. Marissa's love of sports is now replace with visits to specialists, medications, hospital stays, and focus on preventative care.

Medical bills have overwhelmed the family and added to the stress of an already life altering diagnosis. Medical bills are already $12,000.00 above what insurance has covered and there will be more as she starts treatment. Marissa's mother, Angie, works full time providing for her children (Marissa has a younger brother, Lukas). Angie's strength, love, humor, and endurance will help her daughter and family navigate this new hurdle in life. Please consider helping relieve the family's financial stress with a monetary donation.

Your gifts will help the family focus on Marissa's health and not the financial burden. Your love, support, and kind actions are welcomed at this time. So please join me in lifting Marissa and her family up with positivity, prayers, and hope.

I have listed Angie Gross (Marissa's mother) as organizer of this fundraiser so she can update everyone on Marissa's journey.

Thank you