Hello to all! My name is Claudine and I am reaching out far and wide to try to raise funds for my sister Jennifer and her husband Sam (Seledonio). Sam and my sister met 25 years ago and have been together ever since. For those of you who have not been fortunate enough to personally know Sam, I have to say you have missed out on knowing one of the most stellar individuals I have ever met. He is one of those rare examples of love, kindness, strength, and support, and always puts God and his family at the top of his priority list. Sam, who also is known by many as "Balloon Man Sam," is highly creative and has put smiles on thousands of both children and adults' faces with his balloon designs and balloon art. Sam and Jennifer started running their own small business back in 2011, which eventually grew into a storefront in Chesaning, Michigan known as Poppin Decor. They specialized in balloon decor, balloon twisting at events, and face painting. Often you could see some of their work around the community during homecoming or big displays at events throughout Michigan. They both stepped up to the challenge of running a small family business while balancing raising their 3 daughters: Tori, Kaydence, and Bella. Sam and Jennifer are also the proud grandparents to 4-year-old Harper and 2-year-old Selena.

Back in June of 2024, it was discovered that Sam had a brain tumor. A month later, in July, he had his first brain surgery where he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. The challenges kept coming at Sam. He had to have another brain surgery a month later in August due to an infection. Sam has kept fighting even through chemo, radiation, and multiple focal seizures as he healed from these first two surgeries. Sam even tried to continue to work and run their small business all while fighting this terrible cancer. Our family has continued to not give up hope and Sam keeps fighting. Unfortunately, in September of 2025, regrowth of the original tumor was found and the seizures continued to come more frequently. He was hospitalized both in October and December of 2025, where he began to show weakness and loss of dexterity in his right hand and eventually his right side. It was found that the tumor had doubled in size from the original. This brings us to our current state. Earlier this month, January 2026, Sam had to go through another brain surgery to try to remove more of the tumor. After a short stay at a rehab center, he is back in the hospital. An infection, a possible small stroke, more seizures, and some brain hemorrhaging are all part of his current fight. He is currently being kept in a state of sedation and on a ventilator while his body tries to heal. At this point, the doctor has informed our family that Sam most likely has a complete loss of the use of his right hand. This has been a year and a half of constant challenges, financial stress, and loss of most of their income. I am reaching out and asking for help for them. They are currently not able to run their business and without the use of Sam's right hand, he will not be able to continue to bring joy to the community as Balloon Man Sam. With every new diagnosis and challenge, Sam continues to fight with my sister Jennifer never leaving his side. It is heartbreaking to see and with the grace of God we pray he is healed. Any donation will go directly to Sam and my sister Jennifer to help them pay everyday bills and medical bills as they navigate these new medical challenges. Thank you for considering helping them. Please also keep Seledonio (Sam) and Jennifer Martinez in your prayers.

Thank you

Claudine Zach