WINCHESTER, Ky. (LEX 18) — On Sunday, UK fans will pause to remember an honorary wildcat, Marco Shemwell, the child who was hit and killed in 2018 while walking with his family outside of a UK football game.
Shemwell would have turned five-years-old on Sunday and his parents want the community to take part in celebrating his birthday.
Shemwell's family has spent the last year finding strength in each other and their faith. They have also harnessed the strength to start the Marco Shemwell Foundation, and through it they have come up with the idea of Marco Moments.
Marco Moments are meant to encourage acts of kindness that leave ripples of positive change. For Shemwell's birthday, they will assemble at least 1,000 birthday boxes for children who might not otherwise have the chance to celebrate.
Shemwell's parents said this is a fitting way to honor his memory.
"If you asked him why Batman was his favorite, he answered: 'Because he helps people.' So that really shows what kind of kid he was... even in his short time here, his four years, he had such a big heart and just wanted to help people," said Liz Shemwell, Marco's mother.
If you want to create a positive ripple of change on Sunday, you can volunteer at the Birthday Box Pack and Party in Winchester. The event will be held at the Calvary Christian Church from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
