David & Therese Martin are my parents. Throughout my forty-six years of life, they have given money, time, and love to anyone who needs it. They have volunteered for so many organizations to give back to the community of Saranac Lake, where I grew up and where my parents still reside. Girl Scouts, American Red Cross, Lions Club, and Rotary, just to name a few.

Now they are being faced with tremendous medical expenses and travel expenses. My father has been fighting NASH or nonalcoholic end-stage liver disease that has progressed from cirrhosis to HCC or hepatocellular carcinoma. Approximately only 3% of all cirrhotic patients advance to cancer, but my Dad’s medical case has even been presented at transplant conferences.

From UVM in Burlington, VT, to Strong Memorial in Rochester, NY to Mass General in Boston, MA, he has been undergoing lots of testing and treatment in preparation for a liver transplant in Boston this year.

Frequent trips to liver oncologists and transplant specialists have been weekly occurrences for us. The expenses of out-of-network copays along with travel expenses for my Mom to travel with my Dad have been astronomical, and are only expected to increase significantly over the next year.

I have never created a fundraiser that wasn’t for a nonprofit organization, and I have never created a GoFundMe page. However, I know there are a lot of people who have loved my parents throughout my life, and I am hoping at this incredibly difficult time for them, someone might be willing to help out.

To anyone who may not know my father: David Emery Martin is 70 years old. He was born and raised in Saranac Lake, NY where he still resides with my mother Therese “Terri” Martin. “Dave” retired from Trudeau Institute after 41 years of service, and will hopefully celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary on 10/25 this year to my Mom.

Dave has been the President of the Saranac Lake Lions Club, Founder of the North Country Practical Pistol League, and is locally known for his landscape photography.

My parents have literally never asked for anything in my life. They taught me to be self-sufficient and to only give but never ask. So, you can imagine how difficult this decision was for me to publicly ask for help.

If it is at all possible, would you please consider making any gift - even $1 - just to show your support during this very difficult time? I know this will mean the world to my family.

Thank you so much in advance for considering this opportunity. With love.