Marco's Story

On January 4th, 2008 a very special and brave little boy lost his battle with cancer. His name was Marco Leggieri. Marco was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma at 3 ½ years old and fought with strength, courage and dignity well beyond his years. In his short life Marco touched and affected the lives of so many people. He smiled in the face of adversity in spite of all he had to endure. Throughout his chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries he still managed to play with his brother, cousins and friends. He wanted to be part of their lives while leading as normal a life as possible. He loved watching wrestling, playing mini sticks, and watching silly movies.

Marco Leggieri

Marco also had a creative side. He spent a lot of his time painting, colouring and beading. Marco was my son, my baby boy. He brought so much joy to my life, to my husband's life, to his brother's life and to the lives of everyone who had the honour of knowing him. Unfortunately his time with us was cut far too short. On the day of his 5th birthday we lost him.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancerous tumor that originates in the soft tissue of the body, particularly in the skeletal muscles. Research in Rhabdomyosarcoma has already begun at the Hospital for Sick Children and with early detection many cases are treatable. However, much more remains to be done in treating and finding a cure for sarcomas. Dr. David Malkin leads the research team in this area and a fund has been established in Marco's name to bolster initiatives and new protocols in dealing with this specific type of soft-tissue tumor.

The Marco's Way Tribute Fund was established in Marco's honor to help other families in the hope of finding a cure. All personal/individual donations made to the fund (reference number: T8204) are tax deductible and tax receipts will be issued. Please help us in this endeavor and thank you for your generosity.