Victoria's Medical Journey

Eleven year old Victoria Martins and her family never imagined that their lives would change overnight, when a shocking, hidden medical condition was suddenly revealed on July 11th, 2017.

Not even a week prior, Victoria and her family had been enjoying a family vacation in Portugal where it was thought Victoria was experiencing minor symptoms from travel such as fatigue, headache and blurred vision.
It wasn't until the morning of July 11th, Victoria woke up feeling and acting strange and her parents, David & Branda, noticed an alarming change in their daughter's behavior. She was extremely unsteady on her feet, her speech was slurred and she just wanted to lie down. They knew she needed to be rushed to the local Emergency room.

After some time and initial testing, a problem could not be determined. Branda was not happy with this. Her motherly instincts told her something was desperately wrong and she demanded further testing. Thankfully she did because a cat scan revealed devastating news...Victoria had a tumor in her brain!

The Martins were then referred to Connecticut Children's Medical Center for immediate help. Upon an MRI done there, they were able to determine not only a tumor in the brain BUT a cyst present on top of the tumor.

On July 14th, Victoria underwent brain surgery.

During this surgery, the Drs were only able to drain the cyst and insert a port to allow the cyst to be drained as needed. A diagnosis of a craniopharyngioma (a tumor arising from small nests of cells near the pituitary stalk) was determined as well as the tumor being benign.

While this would normally be great news, the Martins were bombarded with more concerning news. Due to it's location, the tumor appears to be inoperable as it sits on Victoria's pituitary & hypothalamus glands as well as being intertwined with delicate ocular nerves. Operating could pose devastating risks to Victoria due to the tumor's surroundings. 

Currently, the Martins family is discussing options for treatment with their medical team at CCMC. There has been discussion for Victoria to undergo radiation to try and shrink the tumor or an even riskier alternative of chemotherapy treatment directly into the tumor to try and shrink it, as well. A second opinion has not been ruled out at this time but has not been obtained as of yet.

Victoria Martins is a sweet and kind eleven year old girl...a gentle and sensitive young lady who loves animals, church, her family and friends. She has two brothers, Alex and Joshua as well as a beloved dog named Samson. She is like your daughter, granddaughter or niece. She was living her life as any normal 11 year old would until this diagnosis brought her life to a screeching halt.

The Martins family is now dealing with the unthinkable. A fearful fight for Victoria's health which includes continuous hospital visit/stays as well as various Dr appointments. They are strained and stressed at this unexpected turn of events. They have had to take time away from their work and continue to do so to tend to their daughter's medical needs. Their journey is going to be a long one and right now, is just the beginning.

As her dear and beloved friends and family, we have started this Go Fund Me to help them during this difficult time. Any contribution will help ease the financial burden this has and will continue to take of this family. We greatly appreciate your gestures of kindness. So everyone is aware, as well, we will be hosting a benefit dinner for the Martins family in the Fall. Details will be soon to follow.