A family’s heart: Maryland couple’s journey to hope and health for young son leads to Hopkins in Baltimore

It’s a rainy day in early spring when Aidan Marcus, a raven-haired toddler with plump rosy cheeks and a wide smile, arrives at his grandparent’s house in Clarksville for a family visit.

After rounds of hugs, cuddles and kisses, the almost 20-month-old Aidan, and his big brother, Michael, (who proudly holds up four small fingers to show his age) begin to busily explore their surroundings. Buzzing from one activity to the next, they happily race toy cars, play games and read children’s picture books.

“What sound does the sheep make?,” Ambar Marcus, 33, asks her youngest son as he climbs into her lap for impromptu story time. “Baaa-aa,” he replies.

In many ways, Aidan is like any other toddler who’s growing, developing and meeting childhood benchmarks. He’s walking, talking with a mix of gibberish and simple words, and can hold his own sippy cup. To simply look at him you might not know that Aidan has already weathered serious health challenges — leaving literal scars for him and emotional scars for his parents.

‘It was very shocking’

At 22 weeks pregnant, Ambar had a prenatal screening that raised alarms. Scans later revealed that the unborn baby’s heart wasn’t developing properly.

“It was very shocking, because it had been an easy pregnancy,” recalls Ambar, a graphic designer. “I felt like I’d emotionally blacked out. It was a lot.”

Justin Marcus, a 35-year-old business owner, was working when his wife called with the news. “We were very scared and anxious.”

Ambar, a native of Venezuela who grew up in Howard County, as did her husband, had long dreamed of having a family.

“Love is at the center of our home, and we both love kids,” Justin said.

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