Project Marcelo

Project Marcelo is a Non-Profit Organization that aims to raise awareness about Infantile Spasms and help children with debilitating, neurological disorders one mission at a time. Project Marcelo was conceived as a result of its namesakes' incredible journey. Marcelo Mugica, born on October of 2010, suffered a massive stroke during his final trimester of gestation, resulting in severe lesioning of his brain's right hemisphere. At approximately 7 months of age, Marcelo began having seizures and was diagnosed with West Syndrome, also known as Infantile Spasms. Infantile Spasms is a complex and uncommon form of Epilepsy that affects infants in the first few years of life. The seizures/spasms associated with West Syndrome are extremely difficult to control and due to their timing, can have a debilitating impact on the brain's development. Marcelo underwent several drug treatments to control his seizures, but none was successful. At the tender age of one he underwent the most invasive type of brain surgery known as a hemispherectomy. This procedure consists of disconnecting a side of the brain, which in his case was the right side, thereby allowing his left side to function without any interruptions from the seizures. Friends, family, and even strangers, united in prayers and supported Marcelo with donations to help him in his recovery. Marcelo has received hundreds of hours of therapy after recovery. This has allowed him to regain mobility on the left side of his body which was affected by the stroke. Marcelo is a miracle child who today is able to do things once were thought unimaginable. Today Marcelo can walk, talk, count, and even run, among many other things. Now the sky is the limit. Project Marcelo is Marcelo's opportunity to give back one project at a time. The organization focuses on helping children who suffer from debilitating neurological conditions.