Sgt. Martin has been serving his country for the past few years and we know he's been deployed to Iraq at least twice. He was diagnosed with a very serious form of cancer and is now in the hospital. He has had a few surgeries which he was not predicted to survive, but he did, and although in much pain he is still fighting in true Marine fashion. Please send some prayers aloft for his comfort and send a card so his family knows you are out there and that you care.
Update: Dec 8, 2009 Our volunteer visited with him and wrote: He's still handsome and such a sweetheart; kind and so concerned for everyone else. He's always praising his mom and those around him...amazing young man. The cards will be such an encouragement especially this time of year. Thank you for all you're doing.
Update: December 15, 2009 Martin's condition continues to deteriorate and his pain has increased. He refuses to move into a room where he can receive more medication because he doesn't want to 'give up'. He needs your prayers for comfort and his Mom is by his side. She can use your prayers for strength.
Update: 12/19/2009 Martin continues to hang on but is in extreme pain. He has received the cards you sent and his mother is reading them to him. They are very appreciative of your kind thoughts and prayers.
Update: 1/10/2010 Our volunteer recently visited Martin and wrote that he is receiving some good physical therapy and good massage. On New Year's Eve day during physical therapy he was able to stand. It was so exciting for everyone there and lots of pictures were made. Martin took in the movie Avatar on the Sunday after Christmas with his Gunny and loved it. The next day he attended the Nebraska football game. Unfortunately, the cold at the game caused Martin too much pain and the decision was made to leave after the first quarter although he was to help take a corner of the US flag during the half time show. His mother, Martha, knows that Martin needs the help of God to survive this cancer but yet she thanks God every day she has with her son. She is always so happy to see people and she always is hugging everyone. She is there in that room with Martin from morning until he goes to bed at night helping him with whatever he needs. Please continue to lift up Martin in your prayers, pray for his healing and strength, and pray also for strength for his mother to help him fight this battle.
Update: 1/18/2010 From our volunteer who visits Martin we have heard that when she took the latest batch of Operation Pal mail to him, his mother Martha immediately began opening it and reading it to him. Martha also hung the cards from the little kids on the walls since they have pictures. Martin will be moved to another hospital very soon. This will allow him to manage his pain better. It is not hospice but is a step in-between. Your cards and letters of support are providing the strength and comfort they need during this time. Please keep them lifted up in prayers.
Update:1/23/2010 Our volunteer visited with Martin this past week at his new hospital. She says that Martin and Martha like this hospital since his pain is managed better and he has a window to see out into the world too, so it makes it nice. His 1st Sgt pulled some major strings in order to get him out for last Sunday's Charger / Jets game. Both Martin and Martha got a big kick out of some of the fans, Martin lasted almost the whole game, but they are not sure if the hospital will allow him to get out like that again. Please continue to cover Martin and Martha with prayers for healing and strength and send words of
Update: 3/21/2010 Martin is still in the hospital and his Mother is there by his side each day. Our volunteer only said that he is 'doing well' and that she hopes to visit and bring him some Easter goodies when she goes to see him soon.
Update: 4/27/2010 Mom says Martin is in even greater pain now and he can't use his crutches or his walker. He is scheduled to move this week to a care facility in his hometown. His mother is the sweetest thing and thanks everyone for all the prayers and good wishes. The cards mean very much to them and remind them that his time in service to our country is very much appreciated.
Update: 5/19/2010 We have heard that Martin has settled into the new hospital in his hometown and that his pain management is greatly improved.
On May 15th he was officially retired from the Marine Corps and there was a ceremony attended by his superior officer and other senior representatives from his base and from the Corps. Mom says he was all decked out in his uniform and will try to get us a photo.
Martin, we are still with you and hope your pain lessens each day. Prayers are coming from all over the country to help you and your family deal with this battle.
Update: 8/20/2010 We have been notified that Martin passed away on Saturday, August 28th. His cancer took his life but not his spirit and he fought the brave fight the entire time. When we were notified about Martin we were told he might only have weeks to live. The surgeries did not have good survival odds, but he beat them all and stayed here much longer than any of his doctors thought he would.
Any cards and letters you have sent will be forwarded to his family and if you wish to send condolence cards we will accept them through September 30.
May God's comfort, not needed by Martin anymore, be transferred to his family in their time of need. Goodbye Martin - you will be missed.
Message Board
Date added to program: 12/7/2009
Date removed from program: 8/30/2010
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