Diego's Story

Diego's Story - Mission of Giving

Diego is an inspiring and strong three year old boy that reminds his parents daily to be grateful for the blessings in their life. Reading how the family describes life with Diego brought a tear to many of us - as it was written with love and honesty. Diego is their special monkey who has taught his family that the simplest things in life are the only things that really matter! Diego's struggles serve as a way to strengthen the family bond because they know that as long as they have each other they can get through anything!

Mom Tracey and Dad, Hugo, and big sister Bianca, are amazed by Diego's strength. They describe Diego has a happy and loving baby and they wouldn't change a thing about him for the world!

A mother's intuition is never wrong. Diego's Mom Tracey feared something was not quite right with Diego but she was unable to get anyone to listen - but she didn't give up. When offered a newborn baby screening during an appointment for her husband, Tracey jumped at the chance to have another person check out her son. That screening served as the wake up call and resulted in multiple appointments with specialists and diagnostic tests. The results of his first MRI showed that Diego had reduced white matter in his brain. Fast forward to today, Diego has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Failure to Thrive, and likely an unknown syndrome. Diego will undergo more observation and testing and his journey is far from over. His parents while devastated by the news work hard to remain positive and provide a loving, supportive unit for their son. They have faith in their little boy and they are so grateful for the love and attention he is receiving via his Cecily's Closet room makeover. The family is excited for this wonderful once in a lifetime opportunity for their son.

Our hope is that this room provides a source of comfort and support to this family who are fighting so hard to ensure their son's success. We echo Diego's parents gratitude that so many wonderful people would come together to create a special place for Diego! Thank you to our amazing volunteers for the difference they are making in the lives of so many children.

Professional Photography by Andrew McRory

Photos by Cecily's Closet

Thank you Maxim, a full-service healthcare company, for participating in our Mission of Giving Program. Maxim Healthcare Services has extensive experience providing home health, medical staffing, and wellness services in communities nationwide.

With 25 years of experience, they are dedicated to providing our patients with quality care and are committed to staffing devoted healthcare professionals in a variety of environments, while remaining focused on compliance. They are committed to customer service and
quality care!

Thank you to Julie Ducom for leading the team at Maxim for Diego's makeover. The hard-work has paid off and we're so excited with the results! Thank you Cindy at Maxim for getting Diego a special high-chair and for shopping for special presents to make Diego's sister feel loved and supported, too. A special thanks to Sara Williams and Mitch Williams Jr.for all of their efforts to procure the tablet for Diego. This tablet will aid his communication skills and help with processing cause and effect concepts.

Thanks to Jon Ray at Paint
Green for once again painting a perfect room! We are so grateful for the service you provide the perfect paint job that you deliver every time! Thank you to Dunn-Edwards for providing the paint for Diego's room makeover.

Thank you to Grace Ann Piano for the whimsical monkey themed room. Grace Ann has worked with Cecily's Closet from year one and we're always excited to have her kind heart, open spirit and amazing talent to inspire our rooms and provide kids like Diego with a very special treat!

And thank you to handyman Matt Schmid (760) 638-0661 for stepping in to install the brand new floors! We could never have completed this room without your amazing help!

And thank you to San Diego Family Magazine for donating so many toys for Diego to enjoy!