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NBA To Honor Ramsey Athlete, 12, With Cerebral Palsy

RAMSEY, N.J. — Marina Pellicciari of Ramsey is this year's recipient of the Brooklyn Nets All-Star Award presented by Hospital for Special Surgery.

Marina Pellicciari, 12, with her hero, Kobe Bryant last year.

Marina Pellicciari, 12, with her hero, Kobe Bryant last year.

Photo Credit: Andrea Pellicciari
Marina and her twin brother, Joey, on the day they both won the Ramsey 7th grade recreational championships.

Marina and her twin brother, Joey, on the day they both won the Ramsey 7th grade recreational championships.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Marina with her own trainer, Patrice Barlics of HUMC Fit on Route 17, who the athlete's mom says is her inspiration for future aspirations of her own.

Marina with her own trainer, Patrice Barlics of HUMC Fit on Route 17, who the athlete's mom says is her inspiration for future aspirations of her own.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Pellicciari will receive a $3,000 grant toward her school’s athletic program and will be honored this Sunday at the Barclays Center before the Nets face the Hawks. 

The Eric Smith student recently underwent a selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery to help control pain and spasticity from her Cerebral Palsy. 

After undergoing intensive PT where she had to re-learn to walk, Pellicciari is back on the court playing for her school and travel team. 

Last year, she met hero Kobe Bryant.

"We were told to expect her to have many complications and to be prepared for full time care for her and plan for special education and other support," Marina's mom, Andrea Pellicciari said. 

"Flash forward 12 years and Marina is an honor roll student who plays basketball and lacrosse and cheers for her twin brother in football."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON THE AWARD.

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