During Saturday’s matchup with Loyola (Md.), the Holy Cross men’s lacrosse team will hold an Autism Awareness Day to help spread kindness, create awareness, and celebrate neurodiversity.
The cause hits close to home for sophomore Tyler Marmo. Tyler’s older sister, Maddie, was born with a rare genetic disorder called Dup15Q Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, epilepsy, and medical challenges. Despite everything she faced, Tyler remembers Maddie as a shining light.
“Maddie had a spunky personality and the kindest of hearts,” Tyler said. “She had unmatched bravery and courage, while facing social obstacles and medical challenges. Maddie never complained, and never allowed her disability to get in the way of enjoying life.”
His favorite memories with Maddie included swimming in the pool, taking her to the boardwalk, and giving her piggyback rides around the house when they were kids.
“There was nothing like seeing Maddie smile and laugh,” Tyler reminisced. “My eldest sister, Sam, and I shared many happy memories and a lot of love with Maddie.”
Maddie’s courageous fight came to an end on December 31, 2023 — though her legacy, impact, and memory live on. In the wake of Maddie’s passing, the Marmo's created the Live Like Maddie Foundation, dedicated to Maddie’s memory, with the mission of offering hope and comprehensive support, providing financial assistance, emotional guidance, and family counseling to empower families as they navigate the unique challenges of raising a child with a rare disease.
