In September 2008, Marcus was struck by an SUV after he lost control of his skateboard. He was transported by helicopter to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where doctors removed a portion of his skull to help control the swelling of his brain, and put him into a medically induced coma to help him heal. Marcus spent 20 days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Though he could not speak when he first awoke from his coma, he used a dry-erase board, writing “It is me,” to assure his parents he was aware and fighting to get better.
Marcus began therapy in the Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (CIRU), where he worked to get stronger every day. He then progressed to the Day Rehabilitation Program to continue therapy. Today, Marcus is a happy 10-year-old who enjoys playing sports and is thriving in school.