teamMarius

In June Marius got to attend Camp Courage, which is a camp specifically for burn victims sponsored by the Arizona Burn Foundation. If there was any way for Marus' smile to get bigger than it already was, it happened at Camp Courage. It was a wonderful experience for him. Thanks to the amazing volunteers that made it happen.

We can't say enough good about the staff and students at MacArthur Elementary. They welcomed Marius in without hesitation and treated him like a rockstar! Here's a few pictures taken from his last day of 3rd grade.

Marius made some great friends during his stay in Arizona. In June we had a little open for his friends to come wish him well as he moved to California.

Check out the smiles that Marius brings out in people:

Marius' older brother, Ionut, and Ashley Ludlow, one of the students that first met Marius in the hospital in Romania and has played a significant role in his progress, were happily married in April. Marius was the best man and dressed and played his part well. Here are a few pictures of the happy event.

This past week Marius figured out he could eat grapes with one hand with his new thumb. We captured some of it on video. Enjoy! And the next time you eat a grape, think of Marius....

We thought everyone might like to see some pictures of activities over the last several weeks. We had spring break and few weeks ago and got a chance to spend a day in the park. Marius also participated in his first pinewood derby and was able to hold a pencil and write with his new thumb! He also wanted to make sure we had photo evidence of him doing chores! Enjoy!

Our good neighbor saw Marius outside in his wheelchair watching the other kids play a few weeks ago. He called them over and said he had an electric wheelchair just sitting in his garage that Marius was welcome to borrow if he would like it. Of course Marius’ face lit up at that. It has been a real blessing. It gives Marius the independence to get around on his own rather than having to wait for someone to push him all the time. With his foot healing, it won’t be long till he no longer needs it but as you’ll see in the video Nate and Marius made, he became a real magician on it.

Greetings from the Southern California arm of Team Marius!  We had a great Christmas with Marius and Ionut in Utah!  There was more snow than there's been in years and it was tons of fun!  To quote from Marius' journal:  "I have a good Christmas.  I went to Utah and played in the snow a lot.  I made a snowman and a snow house and went sledding."  While Marius was tubing with the kids, Ionut and Ashley went snow

Team Marius would like to thank the children and the wonderful staff of River Heights Elementary School in Logan, Utah, for the wonderful penny-drop fundraiser they're holding this year for Marius.  Marius got to meet the children there on April 19th, and they, in turn, were so excited to meet him.  We would like to thank them SO much for their sweet compassion and generosity.

Team Marius is thrilled to announce the engagement of Ashley Ludlow and Ionut Dasianu!  Ionut proposed over the Christmas holiday, Ashley said Yes, and the two are planning an April 25th wedding.  CONGRATULATIONS!