Marcus and his family were thrown into an intense treatment plan including 42 rounds of chemotherapy and 28 rounds of radiation and Marcus missed his freshman year of high school. “Looking back on this time, we couldn’t have gotten through this without our friends and family, this experience puts things in perspective and has given our family a renewed sense of family connection” shared Joseph.

It was at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles that their case worker spoke to them about Make-A-Wish, they weren’t sure about Marcus’s outcome at that time, but they submitted Marcus for a wish. 

When it came time to pick a wish, Marcus had become very interested in racing after watching a documentary about Formula One. Marcus wished to go to a Formula One race. “I’ll never forget the day I found out that my wish was being granted. My dad called me while I was at school, and I was so happy!” shared Marcus. 

Marcus and his parents and two brothers boarded a plane, it was the boy’s first flight, and they headed to Miami for a trip of a lifetime. They stayed in a hotel near the racetrack and a highlight for the boys was having their own hotel room! Alongside other wish families, they had VIP passes and were able to tour the paddock area where the cars and drivers are, see behind the scenes, and watch the exhilarating races from fantastic seats. Marcus continues to go in for regular scans and there is no evidence of cancer.