Sheryl & Jake Marrazzo

Jake Marrazzo was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) when he was 8 years old. His mother, Sheryl, now works for a nonprofit, called Cure Duchenne where she does community outreach where she reaches out to newly diagnosed families to provide resources and hope. When Jake was first diagnosed, it was extremely tough for the family mentally until they realized they could sit here and be sad, and in ten years nothing will change. Instead, they decided to live the best life possible, and to focus on being as positive as possible given the circumstances.

Despite Jake ending up in a wheelchair at 12 years old, he joined the drama society in high school where he excelled on stage. He was always very creative and published two children’s books. He was on Dr. Phil, gave a speech to the incoming UMASS medical class, has been a keynote speaker at a conference and has given various speeches. Because of all his accomplishments, Jake is looked up to as a beacon of hope for newly diagnosed families.

Sheryl has spoken to families all over the world. Sheryl has an amazing knack for developing relationships with these families. They often seek her out at the conferences she attends where families from all over the world gather to hear presentations by doctors and pharmaceutical companies regarding upcoming clinical trials.

On Monday, October 14th, Chick-fil-A and The Greg Hill Foundation will honor Sheryl and Jake Marrazzo as Community Heroes with a Chick-fil-A prize pack including Chick-fil-A for one year and $1,500 to 4 Jake’s Sake Charitable Foundation.