Help 4-Time Cancer Survivor Keep Fighting!

My name is Louis Martinez. I’ve been battling oral Cancer for 20 years. This time, it has left me unable to speak.

I never imagined I’d be writing this. Then again, I never thought I would face Cancer four times. As much as we believe we are powerful and in control, we are not. When the Cancer returned in July, I was devastated. 

The tumor ravaged my jaw, necessitating extensive reconstructive surgery. The doctors removed bone and muscle from my legs to create something resembling a jaw. I now have no lower lip, a small inside cavity called a mouth, and an inability to speak. Essentially, I am disfigured and speechless.

Two months after surgery, I underwent chemotherapy and radiation. While I consider myself strong, it certainly took a toll on me. The mental and physical ramifications left me feeble and fumbling around like Mr. Magoo. 

Due to complications, I still have a tracheostomy. The speech therapists don’t think I will ever be able to speak again due to the number of body parts I have lost. 

Yet, I am blessed. My mouth, wounds, and legs are healing. I’m walking (not fully dancing yet), but more importantly, I am cancer-free. 

When my tongue was removed in 2006 and part of my front jaw in 2020, I could still communicate. After 35 years as an educator, I can no longer speak to my students. This breaks my heart. I miss being in the classroom with so much joy, zaniness, and unpredictable life.

While a medical sabbatical is a blessing, it comes with a significant reduction in pay. Drained of my savings, I am left with unpaid medical expenses, monies owed to the NYC school system, and many bills to pay. In addition, qualifying for disability can take several months, and I will need money until approved.

I have been given the gift of life four times now, and I can’t afford to live it. Thus, the purpose of my GoFundMe campaign. 

I humbly ask anyone who can, to contribute to help me transition from being a working man to living with a disability. Your support would mean a great deal to me. This transition is overwhelming. 

I want to see my son fly his first airplane and dance with each daughter at her wedding. Yet, I am not in charge. I don’t know when the big guy upstairs will say, “Last call.” 

 If you are inclined to help, thank you. It would also be wonderful if you could share this on your social media pages.

I leave you with a refrain from a lullaby I sang to my kids as a reminder: 

“So when you’re smiling, just keep on smiling. The whole world smiles with you.” 

With love and gratitude, 

Louis

Note: As a small way of saying thank you, I am offering free thirty-minute 1-1 coaching sessions to discuss goals moving forward or a Tarot reading for guidance and clarity. It would be my pleasure to give back in this way. Let me know.