Family Story Assets (Word Document, Photos)
Family’s name: The Gilbert-Hernandez Family | Parents: Damaris Hernandez and Joe Gilbert | Children: Mariana and Ollie
Market: Greater NY | NYC Site
Diversity: Hispanic and African-American
Pitch Narrative: Why I March | Dad’s Perspective
| Youth Engagement
This family served as the official Ambassador Family for three
consecutive years (2016-2018) in NYC.
In 2017, they agreed to participate in a national photo shoot, to
support MFB promotion. Mari’s image is included in our photo library.
This year, Mariana has agreed to serve as Chair of the Super Hero
Sprint for the NYC MFB site.
BRIEF description of story
Over seven years ago, we were blessed by the birth of our strong
and beautiful daughter, Mariana. Mari was born too early (by 15 weeks),
super tiny (at a whopping 1 pound 3 ounces, nine inches long) and very sick
(too many ailments to name and many nights when it was unclear whether she'd
make it).
During her turbulent
five-month stay at the hospital, Mari battled many life-threatening illnesses
and underwent open-heart surgery. Progress came slowly and setbacks were
trying. We got accustomed to worry; we didn't know if Mari was ever going to
see, talk or walk. But Mari's strength inspired us.
Today, Mari, who is in
first grade, reads Dr. Seuss to her three-year-old brother, serenades us with
"Despacito", "Vivir La Vida" and "Shake It Off",
and uses cartwheels to get around. At birth Mari fit in our hands, now she has
perfected her handstand, swims and dives. Mari is less tiny, extremely
curious and resilient - not to mention loving, happy and fun(ny).
Mari leads our family in
March for Babies in memory of all her NICU mates who never made it home, to
help future families and to remind us of how fortunate we are. In 2018 Mari
raised over $20,000 by herself for Team Mariana, and this year she is
graduating from Mission Ambassador to Superhero Sprint Chair!
