Rebecca Vittiglia-Collins with son Marc Collins (5).
Camera IconRebecca Vittiglia-Collins with son Marc Collins (5). Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie www.communitypix.com.au d464792

Morley: Family and community pay tribute to Marc Vittigila-Collins (6)

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

A MORLEY family is mourning the loss of their six-year-old son Marc, who lost a battle with a rare genetic brain malformation last week.

Marc Vittigila-Collins, born on January 8, 2012, died on October 18 after his health deteriorated several days prior.

He was diagnosed with lissencephaly (smooth brain), which caused him to have severe uncontrolled epilepsy, microcephaly, global development delay, chronic lung disease, dystonia, dyskinesia and cortical vision impairment.

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His mother Rebecca spearheaded a fundraising campaign for a wheelchair accessible vehicle and the creation of a Facebook page called Marc’s Story: His journey with Lissencephaly in 2017.

In a public post, the family paid tribute to their “blue-eyed, blonde haired hero”.

“We are completely heartbroken at the loss of our blue-eyed hero,” the post stated.

“He fought hard and shone brightly for so very long…and as much as we can’t bear to be without our boy, we know he is at peace, running, jumping, hopping and skipping, talking everyone’s ears off!

“Marc, we couldn’t be prouder or more honoured to have been allowed to be your parents.

“You made us see the beauty and sparkle in things we may never have seen them had you not shown us.

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“Our boy, you reminded us each and every day that love is all that matters in life and you united so many people and shared so much love.

“Anthony, Mummy and Daddy are much better people for having the absolute honour of being your parents and baby brother… learning all the lessons you taught us over the years and the love you showed and gave.

“Fly high our beautiful boy, our blue-eyed, blonde haired hero.

“We miss you more than words can ever say.

“And we will love you forever and always, to the moon and back.

“Thank you all for your kind thoughts, strength, prayers and love over the past week and a half and always.

“We love and appreciate you all.”

The family’s poem for Marc

A heart of gold stopped beating. Two shining eyes at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. God knows you had to leave us, but you didn’t go alone, For part of us went with you The day he took you home.

The funeral will be at Pinnaroo East Crematorium Chapel from 9.30am on Saturday.

Following the service, there will be a big picnic under the trees for family, friends and wider community to gather together and share plates of food on picnic rugs.