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The REAL Ricky Martin needs your help!

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My father-in-law, Rick Martin is one of the best people I know - and everyone who has ever met him would agree.   He has blessed my family and personally inspired me more than I can express.  Words like generous, selfless, hardworking, full of God’s love are the tip of the iceberg when we think about who Dad is, and what he has meant to us through the years.  Hundreds of people have been touched by my father-in-law and his instant and wholehearted willingness to help in almost any situation you can imagine.

Recently, the tables have turned and Rick is the one who needs help.    

A devoted husband of over 32 years, he was by his wife Yvonne’s side every step of her own battle with malignant brain cancer (Gliobastoma).  The last 7 months she was bedridden and unable to communicate, Dad never left her side and made sure all her needs were attended to.  In late 2017, he said goodbye to her.  As part of this battle, he willingly gave tens of thousands of dollars from their savings and retirement to try and save his beloved wife.  His daughters Stephanie and Becca were devastated at losing their mom at the young age of 53, and Dad became even more of a rock to those around him.


But 4 months after Yvonne passed, Rick himself was diagnosed with an active form of prostate cancer.   

A few weeks ago, his situation seemed hopeless.  By the end of 2018 his symptoms worsened and the pain is at times unbearable.  Diagnosis: The cancer is spreading. There is no cure.  The best option is to get on harmful chemicals for the rest of his life to manage the symptoms.  Two previous treatments including high dose radiation barely slowed it down, and continuing down this road would actually allow the cancer to progress to a point where it is completely drug resistant.

Then, what we believe was God’s providence presented the chance for an actual cure: a world class program in Florida with the purpose of curing him.  This 9-week program uses specialized imaging scans, laser radiation treatment, and cryogenic surgery to actually kill the cancer at its source...and has a 95% success rate!

Feel free to read about the program, doctors, and testimonies here: Dattoli Cancer Center  

The exciting part: Dad's 5 grandchildren aged 1-9 who are crazy about their Grandpa get to have him around a lot longer and at full health.  The challenging part: virtually all of this is outside his insurance network and needs to be paid out of pocket.
Many people who know Rick's heart, understanding the life and death urgency we face, are already stepping up to assist with aspects of the trip such as transportation, lodging, and food.  But the total cost of this life-altering treatment itself will exceed $25,000.   A good family friend summed it up by saying "nobody should die because the cure is outside their insurance network."  

We passionately want to see Dad be able to continue his legacy of touching so many lives without having to struggle because of the the sizable cost (he's already insisting on working remotely whenever able throughout this 9-week process...because, well, that's who Rick is). 

And that’s what this GoFundMe campaign is all about.

 We are asking you to join us in helping this man who has helped so many without ever asking for anything in return.  I can't imagine my life, or those of my wife and kids without him.  The timing on starting this treatment is ASAP.   Please seriously consider searching your heart, asking your God, and taking any action possible.  Whatever you feel led to donate WILL make a difference, and WILL be gratefully appreciated.    Sharing on social media is hugely important too.  Every dollar brings us one step closer to saving the life of our Dad and Grampa we love so much.  If you are in a position to give a sizable donation it is greatly appreciated and will be put towards this immediately.  If you can only give $10 but will share this campaign 5 or 10 or 50 times...it  helps!

Thank you for your generosity.  

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Donations 

  • Patty and Collette Kinghorn and Gepp
    • $50
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Mike Masse'
Organizer
Vernon, CT
Richard Martin
Beneficiary

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