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Dana Martino lived a remarkable life. People that only knew Dana on a superficial level may have felt pity for Dana because she seemed cursed. Twelve years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent radiation, chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, and not only did she survive, but she managed to do so with her trademark smile.
Next, Dana was in a horrific car accident and the entire surgical team at MGH warned all of us that it was unlikely that Dana would survive based upon the multiple fractured vertebrae and severe trauma to her entire body. Dana beat the odds and survived. Dana’s surgical team then predicted that Dana would be paralyzed for life and would not be able to perform even basic life functions, but after months of grueling physical therapy at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Dana again beat the odds, and she again had a smile on her face.
How could anyone suffer so much and still smile? Because Dana didn’t feel cursed. She felt blessed. Dana had the love and support of her best friend, her childhood sweetheart, her husband Mark. Dana also had the will to live because she wanted to see her 4-year old-son, Matthew grow into manhood. For the past eleven years, Dana struggled with physical pain and limited mobility, but she did so with grace, and yes, that trademark smile.
Dana was intensely proud of her son Matthew and she had every right to be. Matthew is a great student, an amazing athlete, and is well regarded by classmates, coaches and teachers. More importantly, Matthew’s strongest values are intangible, which are a reflection of Dana: strength, persistent optimism and kindness.
Dana had big plans for Matthew, starting with college, which is only a few years away. All of us together can help make that dream a reality. And even though Dana will not be physically with us to watch Matthew get his college diploma, for those of us that know Dana, we can take solace knowing that Dana will not only be sporting her well deserved angel wings, she will also be showing off that trademark smile.
Rest in peace Dana.
Next, Dana was in a horrific car accident and the entire surgical team at MGH warned all of us that it was unlikely that Dana would survive based upon the multiple fractured vertebrae and severe trauma to her entire body. Dana beat the odds and survived. Dana’s surgical team then predicted that Dana would be paralyzed for life and would not be able to perform even basic life functions, but after months of grueling physical therapy at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Dana again beat the odds, and she again had a smile on her face.
How could anyone suffer so much and still smile? Because Dana didn’t feel cursed. She felt blessed. Dana had the love and support of her best friend, her childhood sweetheart, her husband Mark. Dana also had the will to live because she wanted to see her 4-year old-son, Matthew grow into manhood. For the past eleven years, Dana struggled with physical pain and limited mobility, but she did so with grace, and yes, that trademark smile.
Dana was intensely proud of her son Matthew and she had every right to be. Matthew is a great student, an amazing athlete, and is well regarded by classmates, coaches and teachers. More importantly, Matthew’s strongest values are intangible, which are a reflection of Dana: strength, persistent optimism and kindness.
Dana had big plans for Matthew, starting with college, which is only a few years away. All of us together can help make that dream a reality. And even though Dana will not be physically with us to watch Matthew get his college diploma, for those of us that know Dana, we can take solace knowing that Dana will not only be sporting her well deserved angel wings, she will also be showing off that trademark smile.
Rest in peace Dana.
Organizer and beneficiary
Matthew Martino
Beneficiary