‘It’s our superpower as a family’: How a cancer diagnosis spurred a commitment to giving

Hearing the word “cancer” when it comes to your child is an earth-shattering blow for a parent. Hearing that the cancer is rare and without a lot of research surrounding a cure is even more devastating.

For the Dallas family of 12-year-old Isabelle “Izzy” Martin, it has also brought a new mission.

Izzy has challenged her family to serve others and raise funds and awareness for children’s cancers, such as the one she was diagnosed with in February 2020.

“Well, we’ve always been a team. And I think this all has helped us put things in perspective,” said her mother, Christine Martin. “We don’t let the small things get to us so much, and we have to work together a lot more.”

After the Episcopal School of Dallas student injured her leg during a dance class, her parents discovered she had a broken femur. The injury seemed alarming, as such a large bone is not typically broken with the impact of a dance class. Doctor visits and tests led to a diagnosis of Stage 4 osteosarcoma.

More than two years later, her battle with the rare bone disease continues. But her faith has not wavered. Along with her parents and three siblings, she’s raised nearly $300,000 for the cause. What has fueled her two-year battle with a grueling disease?

“Prayer. Lots of prayer,” Izzy said. “I pray at night with my mom.”

We caught up with Izzy and her mother after a radiation treatment at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. With hospital visits now a routine part of their daily life, Izzy was looking forward to a post-treatment Braum’s run to get her favorite ice cream flavor, birthday cake.

Although Izzy appeared exhausted after a full day visiting two different hospitals, she was passionate about the cause.

Something as devastating as a cancer diagnosis might cause some to retreat, but the Martin family leans on faith and the determination to raise more funding for osteosarcoma research.

Her #TeamIzzy website features the words “Ferocious. Faithful. Fearless.”

“Knowledge is power, and the more we know, the more we can do more about it,” Izzy said. “When I was diagnosed, we were shocked to hear about how little funding goes toward pediatric cancer.”

Christine explained that for Izzy’s particular treatment, medical teams haven’t come up with a new treatment plan since the 1970s. So her family has learned to speak up for change.

The #TeamIzzy’s Osteosarcoma Science Fund with the Osteosarcoma Institute in Dallas is one of the family’s largest accomplishments so far, with the funds going toward research and clinical trials for osteosarcoma. To date, $277,683 has been raised. The institute, also known as OSI, was established in 2017 with the goal of improving the outcomes of patients with osteosarcoma.

Mac Tichenor, OSI’s president, says the fund will provide support for a new and innovative clinical trial or research study that his team believes will help advance treatments, increase survival rates and ultimately help find a cure for osteosarcoma.

“Children like Izzy, who have not responded to standard treatment, rely on hope for a breakthrough from work like ours,” Tichenor said. “Izzy’s wish is that one day, no child will have to go through what she has.”

Christine recalled Izzy being inquisitive with medical staff in the beginning. She wanted to understand what she was going through and how she could help, even as a young child. Her spirit and determination have led the charge for the Martin family ever since.

“There’s a lot of joy in serving, and there’s always someone with needs greater than yours,” Christine said. “Izzy has taught us to raise the bar when it comes to giving, and it’s our superpower as a family — having faith and showing up.”

Izzy recently celebrated her 12th birthday and wanted to punctuate it with meaning and giving back.

So for 2022, she dedicated her special day to Austin Street Center, one of Dallas’ largest homeless shelters. More than 2,600 items were collected and donated to the nonprofit on her behalf.

She also finds strength in reminding herself that you don’t have to stay positive or be happy constantly.

“This is really hard and real, and I have good days and bad days,” Izzy said. “I take it one day at a time, and I’ve learned you can’t focus too far out or it will seem overwhelming.”

The Martin family credits the power of prayer and faith as their source of strength these last two years. Not to mention a community that’s enveloped them with support, encouragement and additional prayers.

“For us, prayer is what fills my bucket,” Christine said. “My faith has given me, personally, more strength and endurance than expected. I’m not surprised, though, because God is delivering.”

Details

For more information: To learn more about the Martin family’s story, visit their blog at martinblessings.wordpress.com.

How to help: Donations can be made to #TeamIzzy’s Osteosarcoma Science Fund with the Osteosarcoma Institute at secure.osinst.org/a/teamizzy.