My Wish For Marty

On October 15th, 2011 my life was forever changed after my best friend Marty was severely injured in a fall, suffering a traumatic brain injury. I will never forget the phone call, hearing what happened to Marty, and how broken I felt. It's a feeling that really hasn't gone away: a big part of me is still missing. But even as these past eight months have been incredibly emotional and stressful for Marty's family and myself, Marty has proven to be a fighter through all the ups and downs and I am so very proud of him. However, the road to recovery is long and is paved with uncertainty. While Marty's mom and step-dad have been incredible advocates for him, sadly this experience has been an eye-opener as far as how poor and unfair our healthcare system is.

Marty will soon be leaving California for Florida to his parents house (they have been in Los Angeles since the day after Marty was hurt and haven't been home since). Unfortunately because Marty has used up all his allotted insurance coverage, he can't get into a rehab or therapy program unless it is paid for out of pocket. You can't even imagine the cost of that. So as it stands right now, the burden of care will be on Marty's parents. To say that I am worried about that is an understatement. They've been through so much, and the stress and pressure of caring for Marty 24/7 is going to be incredible.

The one true bright spot in all of this has been the outpouring of support through Facebook and his Caringbridge website. Words can't express how much that has meant to Marty's family and me. Even though so many of us are thousands of miles away, technology has brought us close together.

In just under two weeks I will be celebrating my 34th birthday. While my ultimate wish would be to go back in time and erase what happened to my amazing friend, I know that's not possible. I am instead focusing on how I can help him during his recovery, and am hoping to use technology again to help make that happen. Therefore, I am appealing to you to consider donating to My Wish For Marty. Money will go directly to Marty and his family to pay for mounting doctor co-pays, for costs associated with his move to Florida, or for anything else he needs. For my family and close friends who would have otherwise gotten me a gift or card - please give a gift to Marty instead. I've set a goal of raising $500* ** ***. Knowing the bills coming in and the costs ahead it's not much, but every little bit helps.

Thanks, in advance for your consideration, and for your continued love and prayers for Marty and his family.

xo

Wendy

*Because of the incredible support in just 1 day, I am raising my goal to $1,500. Thank you all so very much!!!!!

** I'm so amazed! You all smashed the $1,500 goal. Just under a week to go to my birthday, so I'm going to raise it one last time to $2,000. Thank you all soooooooo much!!!! xoxo

*** Speechless (and that doesn't happen often!). My goal has been almost doubled! Thank you all so, so much. Marty and his family are so loved. You have no idea the difference this is going to make. I know a few people have messaged me that want to donate still so I will leave this open until the end of this week. Thank you all again so very much! xoxo