UPDATE: Hospitalized Montclair Student Back In U.S., Fundraiser Planned

Montclair, NJ – Marco is back in the United States.

Marco Ziccardi, a Mount Hebron/Buzz Aldrin Middle School student stranded in a Finland hospital due to a medical emergency, has been transported back to the United States and is beginning a long recovery process in the hospital, according to friends of his family.

Ziccardi was rushed to a Finland hospital’s ICU in December and spent a week on life support, his family reported.

His father launched an online fundraising campaign shortly afterwards, hoping to get his son home in time for the holidays.

• See related article: Help Get My Hospitalized Son Home For Christmas, Montclair Parent Pleads

While it’s a relief to have Marco back in the country, he still has a long road ahead, a friend of the family told Patch.

To aid in his recovery efforts, Marco’s supporters are hosting a “Disco Dance For A Cause” on Saturday, Feb. 6 (the event was originally scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 23, but has been postponed because of a forecasted snowstorm).

The event will feature dancing, karaoke, food and raffles, and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Marco’s medical needs, organizers stated.

The fundraiser will take place in Madonna Hall at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 30 North Fullerton Ave., from 7 to 11 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased at bittybox.brownpapertickets.com or at the door (cash only).

UPDATE: DISCO FUNDRAISER CANCELLED

Editor’s Note: The fundraisers provided Patch with the following update about the cancellation of the Feb. 6 event.

“We want to thank the entire Montclair and neighboring communities for their support in our ’Dance For A Cause’ disco party for Marco Ziccardi. Our wonderful committee has worked tirelessly to put together this fundraiser to help our young friend Marco with his medical needs. At this time,with ticket sales at a low participation rate, it is with a heavy heart, we have decided to cancel this event. For those who have purchased tickets and would like a refund, please visit www.bittybox.brownpapertickets.com and follow prompts. Thank you in advance to those who wish to leave theirpurchase of a ticket as a donation... Thank you, Jeanette, Lori, Amy, Joan & MaryFundraiser Committee.”

Send Montclair news tips and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com