Credit: Alex Cutler

Credit: Alex Cutler

According to the bakery’s website, Zarate and her husband, former professional soccer player Juan Manuel Lovato, were born in Argentina. The couple then moved to Guatemala where Zarate opened her own restaurant called El Diez. Soon after, the couple welcomed their first child, Ciro.

Credit: Alex Cutler

Credit: Alex Cutler

However, at 10 months old, Ciro was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder known as Canavan disease. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the disease is caused by changes “in the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene that affects the breakdown (metabolism) of the N-acetylaspartic acid.” Symptoms of the disease include diminished muscle tone and delays in developmental goals such as walking. Currently, this disease has no cure, resulting in a life expectancy of less than 10 years. .

At the time of diagnosis, Ciro was the only child in Argentina or Guatemala suffering from Canavan disease.

The couple was then notified of a new trial taking place at Dayton Children’s Hospital. This gene therapy program, the first of its kind, began in 2021 and is led by Dr. Robert Lober. By using a recombinant Adeno-Associated Viral Vector, a protein-based nanoparticle engineered to traverse the cell membrane, Dr. Lober and his team are attempting to restore enzymatic function in important areas of the brain. More than 16 families from across the world have taken part in this trial.

In July of 2022, Ciro underwent brain surgery and began the years-long program. He has also taken physical therapy to help improve his motor skills.

“The gene therapy gave his brain the potential to learn skills, but it’s the continuous physical therapy that is actually building those skills,” Zarate noted.

However, to keep Ciro close to his medical team, the family made the decision to move thousands of miles from Guatemala to Beavercreek. In order to begin their new life in America, Lovato retired from soccer and Zarate sold her restaurant.

After some time in Ohio, Zarate returned to her passion for cooking, starting Sweet Ciro in early 2024. The alfajores she bakes are inspired by her Argentinian heritage but also incorporates American influences. The bakery offers flavors including coconut, Nutella, Maicena and Coco, chocolate and more. Sweet Ciro also sells homemade dulce de leche, stainless steel straws and more.

Credit: Alex Cutler

Credit: Alex Cutler

Aside from Maria’s at the Market and its sister store, Maria’s Unique Foods located at the 2nd Street Market in downtown Dayton, Zarate sells her desserts online at sweetciro.com.

“Our alfajores are a unique blend of our Argentine roots, culinary expertise and the strength we have discovered in the face of this adversity,” she said. “These treats are more than cultural delicacies. They represent our family’s unwavering spirit and love for each other.”

In addition to helping Ciro directly, Zarate encourages the public to support the Cure Canavan Fund, which supports children suffering from the disease and their families.

How to go

What: Sweet Ciro at Maria’s at the Market

Where: The Greene Town Center, 4420 Glengarry Drive, Beavercreek

Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Closed Sunday.

More info: sweetciro.com