Marc Zenus, at age 36, is the youngest of three children. His older siblings include a sister, Melinda, and a brother Joe. He is also a very proud uncle to Madelyn, Sara, Aaron, and Jaxon. Marc resides in Hopedale, MA and lives with his Mom and Dad. Marc is affected by a chromosome disorder called Fragile-X Syndrome. Individuals with this disorder are challenged with a significant intellectual disability.

Although challenged with Fragile-X, and contrary to a number of its characteristics, Marc is an extremely happy, friendly, outgoing, respectful, and compassionate individual.  He has a unique personality, and holds an uncanny affection for all those who he has met over the years and especially to those who are part of his daily regimen. He wants to be included in almost any social event or gathering, and at most times, will be the first to engage others by introducing himself. He truly is a social butterfly.

Marc is also an avid sports fan. He likes to attend or watch all the local professional sports teams, especially his favorite team, the Boston Red Sox. His favorite player is David Ortiz.

Although he enjoys watching and observing professional athletes by being a fan, his greatest passion is actually participating in sporting events with his friends whenever possible.  He is very active in Special Olympics locally, having participated in the Milford programs for the last 18 years. At present, he participates in the basketball, flag football, softball, and track and field programs offered. Marc has also competed in soccer, floor hockey and golf in the past.  He really enjoys the competition, however, the opportunity of spending time with his friends and being part of a team is his greatest reward.

 His participation in Special Olympics has also afforded him the opportunity to experience certain events, so special, that most of us include them on our bucket list, however, will probably never accomplish them.  On Father’s day, in June 2011, as part of the Red Sox honoring the 40^th year anniversary of the Special Olympics of Massachusetts, Marc was selected to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park. He threw a perfect strike. A few years earlier, he experienced playing basketball on the Boston Garden parquet along with his Special Olympics teammates as the featured half time guests of the Boston Celtics. LeBron James would have been impressed with the team’s performance. Finally, with the Special Olympic of Massachusetts Flag Football state games regularly held at Gillette Stadium, Marc has played on the same field as the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Marc is fortunate that he has local programs available, such as Special Olympics, to provide him the forum, and the opportunity to grow his interpersonal and socialization skills. He will continue to participate in these programs as long as he is able.