HOME. The place where we most long to be. For Mike and Michele Martin this has never been more true. Michele has always loved being home: a place to be creative, work hard, make memories, and find refuge. Now it is all of those things and a place where their family can be together while they continue to navigate the sudden upheaval of their lives.

It’s been one year since Michele began to experience a sudden onset of back pain. What initially appeared to be some kind of muscle injury progressed over several months to debilitating loss of motor function. In the months that followed, they pursued every diagnosis, met with countless specialists, underwent clinical interventions, and made a trip to the Mayo Clinic for further testing and expert advice. Yet the diagnosis remained unclear. However, her symptoms were not. Michele was experiencing profound muscle loss resulting in the inability to move most of her body.

In September under the advisement of the medical team, Michele went to the hospital for a procedure to help mitigate the risks of the respiratory decline she was experiencing. What was supposed to be a short inpatient stay turned into 63 days in the ICU. Michele’s needs required 24/7 skilled nursing care and the pathway home seemed impossible. Except Michele had even more than skilled nursing, the attentive, sacrificial, and high-level care of her husband, Mike who has been by her side every day. Known as Dr. Martin to many, he is living out the commitment they made in marriage to one another 30 years ago: for better or for worse, through sickness and health.

With the care Mike has been able to provide, they made the decision to do what was best for Michele, for their children, and for their family. To go HOME. To be together as they continue to pursue healing with Mike overseeing her care.

As they trust God for His plan and His timing, it has become clear that they need help to take on this next season of their journey. The 24/7 critical care that Michele needs is not sustainable for one person to provide and is a financial burden that seems impossible alone. But they are not alone. Through this entire journey the community has been there to love and care for them by providing meals and care for their children and God has been so faithful. This is why we are asking you to consider giving to support the Martin family. A gift of any amount will help them through this season. Acts 2:42-47 & Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to Him who is able do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”