Giovanni "Gio" Mariscal

Giovanni Mariscal passed away in his home on March 1 2017. He was 7 years old. Gio was born on February 14, 2010 in Mesa AZ to his beloved parents Kristin Leaf and Ricardo Mariscal. Gio was a very special boy, he had a rare mutation of a gene ZC4H2. He was one of only 4 people in the world known to be affected by this mutation. He could not hold his head up, roll, crawl, walk, or talk but he had a smile that melted your heart. Despite his physical challenges, he loved to dance in his mother"s arms, watching soccer with his father and siblings, and laugh out loud watching his family and friends be silly. In February of 2017, the Make a Wish Foundation granted Gio"s birthday wish of a fun filled family vacation to Disney World. He experienced the magic of Disney and had the most wonderful time. Everybody LOVED seeing all the photos of his joyous experience and his most precious smile. He was a courageous fighter and exemplified the true definition of strength. His life and his journey served to unite his family, friends, and whole communities. Gio showed us all how to live life to the fullest, love unconditionally, be strong in the face of adversity. Gio is survived by his parents Kristin and Ricardo, sister Arianna Mariscal, his brothers Diego, Sebastian, and Gabriel Mariscal, Grandmothers Karen Leaf and Rosa Hernandez. He is preceded in death by his Grandfathers William Leaf and Ricardo Mariscal. For everyone who knew him and those touched by his story he brought a smile to their faces. "Our Citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified Body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself" Philippians 3:20-21 In lieu of flowers, please donate to Giovanni's Memorial Fund at: https://www.gofundme.com/gio-mariscals-memorial-fund