Dina Martens Medical/Memorial Fund

“Dina’s Walk Through the Valley”
Written by my brother, Paul, Dina’s husband

Over the course of more than a decade, my wife, Dina, has seen a small lump in her breast turn from harmless, to larger and benign, to even larger and cancerous. 

We got married in 2005 and less than a year later had a baby girl.  Four and a half years after, a baby boy.  When our daughter was old enough for education, Dina began homeschooling that started a life of constant care for our two children.  As you can imagine, the work that it is to educate on your own became more difficult as Dina’s lump got bigger and more painful.   

During this rapidly changing time, Dina and I were already in research mode, looking for answers that would heal or otherwise shrink her lump and reduce pain.  We have explored possibilities for the best way to be cured, including conventional, alternative and integrative treatments.

It was June 16, 2016 that Dina decided to see a breast surgeon for consultation.  A needle biopsy was performed during the visit. After a couple days, the result of the biopsy came back with news that her breast lump was malignant.  The cancer had not spread to other areas of her body but her case was considered aggressive because the tumor had been growing big very fast. Knowing the condition, we had to quickly decide which route to take as to treatment. After praying for God’s guidance and wisdom to see the best option, we chose to take the integrative approach of treatment.  We found this option only possible at Oasis of Hope Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico.

As I write this, Dina is already on her third week of treatment here at Oasis of Hope Hospital and has been feeling better.  Why Oasis of Hope Hospital?  Dina found out about this hospital long before we learned about her malignant tumor. She has always been interested in natural and alternative cures for cancer.  Since this hospital has been offering these treatments since 1963, combined with conventional treatment when needed, this makes it her first choice.  Oasis of Hope Hospital is a home of outstanding oncologists and surgeons who are driven by the principle that if they don’t take the treatment themselves if in that situation, then they would not give it to their patients.  It also offers an excellent care of their patients and provides them an environment of a strong Christian support through prayers. They also believe that family support is one of the most important parts of the treatment, therefore they welcome family members to stay with the patient in the hospital room which is equipped to accommodate a family of up to four.

Dina’s three week cancer protocol during her hospital stay involves all natural IV infusions, hyperthermia sessions, dendritic cell vaccines and a special diet of food. In-home treatment will follow, with surgery a couple months away.  Doctors also leave open the possibility for micro chemo and digital radiation.

Like all other cancer treatments, it is costly. It is estimated that by the time we are done with surgery and the travel costs we will incur, we will be spending $108,000. This amount of money is so beyond what we have at this point.

We, therefore, knock on the door of your generous hearts to help us find this huge amount of money for Dina’s treatment. Please help us complete her treatments by contributing to it. Every dollar you will give will be very valuable and she will be very grateful!

Blessed by His Grace,

                        Paul & Dina Martens and Family


“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”                                                    Romans 3:24  KJB


P.S.  If this fundraising effort exceeds our target or if Dina’s treatment will cost lower than the estimate, we will be giving the rest of the money to other cancer patients.