Martin family says strong against challenges
The seemingly insurmountable hurdles that have been placed in the path of the Martins over the past year might damage or destroy a weaker family, but instead of buckling under the burdens they have faced, Denny, McKenna and Sydney Martin have banded together with love, appreciation and humor to face each tomorrow with a smile.
The Martins’ story appeared on Page 1 of the Sunday edition of the Butler Eagle, which marked one year since their son and brother, Mason, collapsed on the Karns City football field with a brain bleed and collapsed lung.
Mason was hospitalized for nine months and remains in intense therapies, only uttering his first word a few weeks ago.
As if that devastation wasn’t enough, the family was further traumatized in October, when Stacy Martin, Denny’s wife and mother of Mason, McKenna and Sydney lost her decadelong battle against metastatic breast cancer.
Stacy was a nurse who Denny is sure would have expertly taken over Mason’s care when he returned home in June.
The Martins’ situation has touched the kind and compassionate people of Butler County, who have sent so many cards and gifts that the family had to rent a storage unit to house them all.
Denny said he has read each and every card to Mason, and can’t believe the “Mason Strong” signs that remain posted in the yards of fellow county residents who the family has never met.
The Eagle family continues in its awe of the Martins, who remain not only intact, but a strong, resilient example of an American family.
We encourage readers to continue to support the Martins as they move forward with Mason’s rehabilitation, which can be trying and thrilling at the same time, according to updates Denny has posted on social media.
But it seems the Martins will lean on one another and their unbreakable bond as they face the upcoming one-year anniversary of Stacy’s passing and forge ahead with Mason’s continued treatment.
“Family first” is a hue and cry of many, but the Martins have so admirably demonstrated that concept over the past year.
The Eagle wishes nothing but good progress for Mason and peace for the Martin family, and our family — like so many in Butler County — will be praying for them.
— PG
