Support Aaron “Woes” Vision Recovery

Aloha Family and Friends,

My name is Christy, Aaron’s sister from Kaneohe in Oahu, Hawai’i. I am here to gather your support for Aaron “Woes” Martin during this challenging time in his life.

I’ve always admired my younger brother, Aaron. Growing up in a small two-bedroom house in Kalihi, Oahu with our parents and youngest brother, Greg, we didn’t have much. But Aaron never let that define him. He always stood out for his creativity and his ability to dream big. He has an incredible gift for turning the ordinary into something extraordinary – a talent that continues to inspire me and others. His passion for art and music has been a constant driving force throughout his remarkable life. From traveling the world to meet and collaborate with his heroes, appearing in an episode of Hawai’i 5-0 and humanitarian work in Thailand; Aaron’s talents have helped him forge deep connections with fans and new friends alike. It’s truly a gift.

In September 2024, as Aaron wrapped up at Plaza Walls, an Oklahoma Mural Festival, he lost some vision on his left eye and the use of his right eye due to a retinal strain and hemorrhage from complications of diabetes and high blood pressure.

Over the past 8 weeks, Aaron has undergone four surgeries to date (2 laser procedures for both eyes, 1 cataract surgery for his left eye, and 1 vitrectomy for his right eye).

He is currently in the process of receiving his 5th surgery (vitrectomy for his left eye) which will take place in early January 2025. The recovery from the two vitrectomy surgeries can take up to 5-8 months or more.

So his situation creates a financial hardship for him. He is falling behind on medical/hospital bills, prescribed medications and living expenses. Aaron is incapable to finish any projects or work, we ask for your help in this dire time of need.

How donations will be used:

• Special dietary requirements

• Treatment Costs

• Prescription medications

• Home Care Medical Support Equipment

• Travel expenses to appointments due to vision limitations since he isn’t able to drive

• Everyday living expenses that have become difficult to maintain while unable to work

Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a meaningful difference in Aaron’s life as he navigates through these challenges.

On behalf of the Martin family and Aaron, we thank you for your kindness and generosity. Sharing this campaign with others would also be incredibly helpful; together we can make a difference. ~Christy Ramirez

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BIO

Woes IG

Aaron “Woes” Martin honed his skills of painting his signature pandas all over the world and nationwide over the past 24 years. Aaron paints to connect with people and like-minded artists.

His art has flown him to Japan, Germany, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Colombia, and Mongolia. Aaron has worked on completed projects and activation with various companies such as Toyota, Disney, Fandango, Flab Slab, Kidrobot, MindStyle, Fitted Hawaii, New Era, Kicks Hawaii, and In4mation Hawaii. Aaron was published in magazines and books in the US, Japan & Germany.

Recently, PBS Hawaii broadcasted a feature interview of Aaron on TV (timestamp at 18:31): https://www.pbshawaii.org/home-is-here-old-queen-street-stadium-aaron-woes-martin-geneology/

PBS Hawai'i on Woes

Aaron made an impact on the designer toy community with his partner, Palmetto of Silent Stage Gallery, an online hub for Woes Martin products mainly in resin sculptures and prints. Aaron blended his craft with music, art, dance, photography, video, and puppet building with the Mighty Giants of Los Angeles. Bridging all his creative passions together, Aaron’s evolution into painting came from humble beginnings in Oahu, Hawai’i after a short stint in Seattle, WA where his creativity propelled him to tell his story through the stroke of a paint brush or a paint spray can. This allowed Aaron to introduce elements to this union and extend the range of his talent even further. He challenges the boundaries and continues to explore the depths of color and composition.