No Martin Left Behind

A’Adrian Martin is the youngest of Danny Martin’s at birth, leading to life-threatening hemorrhaging and four children, including 12-year-old Jeremiah, later a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Bre’anna, age 10, and Ta’lor, 7. The family is close knit, speaking to each other in loving tones amid playful banter as they sit around their kitchen table. Dad Danny repeats their family motto along with his children, a message of support, inclusivity, and encouragement: “No Martin left behind.”

While A’Adrian lies quietly in the front room of the home Danny shares with his children and his mother, her father explains how they became connected with Noah’s Children. A’Adrian was accepted into the program in 2017, he says, following a severe brain injury at birth, leading to life-threatening hemorrhaging and later a diagnosis of cerebral palsy.

“The part of her brain that was damaged controls motor function,” Danny says. A’Adrian needed a tracheotomy to help her breathe and swallow, and she now requires round-the-clock monitoring and care. Danny says that, in her short life, his daughter has had a battery of surgeries, the most recent one a procedure to correct hip dysplasia. Although A’Adrian is non-communicative and cannot walk or sit up on her own, Danny says, “I know she is in less pain now.”

Cerebral palsy is a blanket term for a group of child- hood neurological disorders stemming from atypical brain development or brain damage according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Although there is no known cure for cerebral palsy, supportive care including medical treatment and therapies can help to optimize a child reaching their own unique potential. A’Adrian receives physical therapy each week, and Danny hopes her communication will improve.

“We understand that it’s all tentative because every child is different,” says Danny. “But with her continued therapy, she has already improved in ways our family notices. I would love for her to be able to communicate on demand however she can.”

The whole family pitches in to make sure A’Adrian is included in their activities. “We roll the ball to her and read to her,” says Bre’anna. “I know that if I keep working with her, she will get better and better.” Big brother Jeremiah tries “to comfort her and make sure she’s comfort- able—never give up on her.”

While the siblings are looking out for their little sister, Danny says Noah’s Children helps him look out for all of his kids.

“They have been an absolute blessing to us, from the support to advice to just being there with us in a very difficult situation,” says Danny. “[Noah’s Children] volunteers come and help my other little ones with their homework. They make sure everybody has what they need, even if that is just for somebody to be an ear and listen to them.”

The holidays can be both a joyful and stressful time for any parent. For parents of seriously ill children, the holidays can be an especially try- ing season. Danny, a single parent who works as a truck driver, says Noah’s Children made sure his chil- dren had a happy holiday this past December, bringing gifts and plenty of Christmas cheer.

When it comes to medical care, Danny stresses to parents: “You are your child’s best advocate.” He acknowledges that caring for a child with needs like A ’Adrian’s is challeng- ing and requires a huge amount of personal sacrifice and guidance. “But don’t leave everything to the doctors,” he adds. “Try to do everything in your power to help your child live their best life. And as you strengthen your bond with your child, you’ll be able to sense their needs better, so you can communicate with the medical team better. Never, ever give up.”