Wayland Man Extends Jersey Foundation's Reach To Middlesex County

WAYLAND, MA—Marisa Tufaro died at the tender age of 13 after enduring six open heart surgeries and a transplant. The heart transplant was intended to extend the girl's life, but instead cut it short, as she developed a rare form of Stage IV cancer from post-operation complications.

A heart transplant, which was supposed to extend Marisa’s life, tragically cut it short after a post-operative complication developed into a rare form of Stage IV cancer.

She was born with a congenital heart defect, and after she died, her parents Greg and Cyndi created the nonprofit Marisa Tufaro Foundation. Tufaro and the nonprofit she inspired is featured in the Boston Globe this week.

The Tufaros established the foundation on what would have been Marisa's 14th birthday, July 30, and started by helping children in Middlesex County, NJ, where they live.

But that help is extending to Middlesex County, MA, as a New Jersey native and friend of the Tufaros who lives in Wayland started a gift card drive through the schools to benefit the foundation.

The foundation states,"Our mission statement is broad-based by design. The foundation wants to extend assistance to children and their families beyond those in medical crisis, although such individuals will forever remain a primary focus. The foundation will also make community service an integral part of its mission."

Find out more on the foundation's Facebook page.

Read Cindy Cantererell's feature story in the Boston Globe