gymsmile FOR Marcel

Marcel Elías is an 8-year-old boy who lives in Cartagena with his parents, who have dedicated their lives to accompanying him with love, hope, and strength at every stage of his process.

His story began before he was even born. Marcel came into the world prematurely, at just seven months of gestation, after his mother experienced complications during pregnancy due to the loss of amniotic fluid and the stunted growth of her uterus. Through an ultrasound, doctors detected that the baby no longer had enough space to continue developing, making an emergency cesarean section necessary.

At the moment of birth, Marcel suffered neonatal hypoxia, as he had to be resuscitated because he was born without sufficient oxygen. This situation caused a brain injury that later led to his diagnosis of cerebral palsy.

Since then, his family has faced multiple physical, emotional, and economic challenges, but they have never stopped fighting for his well-being and development. Although Marcel is still unable to walk, he has made significant progress: today he can support his trunk and his head a little better, which represents great hope for those who accompany him day by day.

At home, his parents perform stretching exercises and rehabilitation activities using a mat on the floor, seeking to strengthen his posture and stimulate his motor development. However, having an at-home rehabilitation gym would significantly transform his therapeutic process, allowing him to perform exercises in a more appropriate, safe, and constant manner.