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On New Year’s Eve, my husband Marcial Bolina Cable (McCarthy)—a trailblazer, a U.S. Army veteran, and a survivor in every sense of the word—suffered a stroke. What should have been a moment of hope turning the page into a new year became the beginning of a difficult fight for recovery. Marcial is no stranger to fighting battles—he’s been doing it his entire life. In 1993, long before marriage equality became law, Marcial courageously sued the State of California for the right to marry the man he loved (Los Angeles Times, April 21, 1993). His fight for marriage equality gained support from Rev. Jesse Jackson, actress Cybill Shepherd, celebrity lawyer Gloria Allred, and an amicus brief by the ACLU. In 2025, Marcial was active in No Kings and Indivisible events as well as the Las Vegas Women's March. At a time when doing so came with enormous personal risk, he stood up anyway—helping lay the groundwork for the rights so many now take for granted. He is also a U.S. Army veteran, having served in a MASH unit, caring for others under extreme pressure. Later in life, he survived non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, enduring brain cancer and emerging resilient, hopeful, and committed to living fully.
Now, Marcial faces one of his hardest challenges yet. Recovery from a stroke is not quick—or inexpensive. Marcial is confronting ongoing medical bills, rehabilitation and physical therapy, possible speech and cognitive therapy, in-home care and mobility support, and unexpected living expenses during recovery. His Medicaid was denied on January 1st without explanation, adding to the uncertainty and stress.
As his spouse and caregiver, I am doing everything I can—but we cannot do this alone. Marcial has spent his life showing up for others: for patients, for fellow soldiers, for the LGBTQ+ community, and for future generations who deserved dignity and equality. Now, we’re asking for help showing up for him. We would be so grateful for any support you can give. Every contribution helps give Marcial the care, stability, and time he needs to heal.
Now, Marcial faces one of his hardest challenges yet. Recovery from a stroke is not quick—or inexpensive. Marcial is confronting ongoing medical bills, rehabilitation and physical therapy, possible speech and cognitive therapy, in-home care and mobility support, and unexpected living expenses during recovery. His Medicaid was denied on January 1st without explanation, adding to the uncertainty and stress.
As his spouse and caregiver, I am doing everything I can—but we cannot do this alone. Marcial has spent his life showing up for others: for patients, for fellow soldiers, for the LGBTQ+ community, and for future generations who deserved dignity and equality. Now, we’re asking for help showing up for him. We would be so grateful for any support you can give. Every contribution helps give Marcial the care, stability, and time he needs to heal.
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