Needy family grateful for gift

HOLLYWOOD — Marcia Cornelius was visibly overwhelmed when she heard the news.

Knowing her family’s backstory, it’s easy to understand why. Her daughter, Mornin’Star, was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer when she was just two years old. While she battled and overcame it 16 years ago, Mornin’Star was hit with yet another hurdle in July — bone cancer.

Working out of her home as a hairdresser, Marcia relied on her son for transportation to and from chemotherapy since she didn’t own a car.

She won’t have to deal with that issue again.

On Tuesday, the Miami Marlins surprised her with a new Honda CRV from AutoNation. Marcia and her 18-year-old daughter were brought to the dealership under the impression they would just be discussing their story on the Marlins Hot Stove Show, but it wasn’t long before they found out that wasn’t the case.

Co-hosting the show, Marlins infielder Miguel Rojas announced they would be driving home in their own car. Upon hearing the news, Marcia couldn’t hold back tears as she and her daughter soaked in the moment.

“[It means] everything,” Marcia said. “It’s been so hard with transportation and taking [Mornin’Star] to and from treatment, so it means everything.”

“It’s the biggest lift there is.”

The giveaway is the latest in the “Miami Marlins Surprise and Drive” program in conjunction with AutoNation. The team has given away seven cars so far and plans on donating two more to families in need. The recipients have been selected through the team’s charitable partners — Education Fund, Special Olympics, Guitars over Guns and Dibia Dream — and AutoNation.

During the 2018 regular season, the Marlins gave away 25 cars.

For Rojas, the moment was extremely meaningful, as his mother has battled — and overcome — breast cancer twice.

“Every time you can give back to the community, it’s special,” Rojas said. “I know the battles and what they’re going through.

“Seeing the smile on her face and the tears in her eyes is something you’ll always remember.”

WELLS DUSENBURY/SUN SENTINEL Infielder Miguel Rojas poses with Marcia Cornelius and her daughter, Mornin’Star, after presenting the family with a new car. Mornin’Star is battling bone cancer.