The Marty We All Know and Love:
Marty puts a smile on the face of everyone he is around. He has a great passion for life and keeps us all laughing with his shenanigans every day. He is the kind of friend that anyone would be lucky to have. We probably don’t need to tell you that he is a die-hard sports fan, but being the youngest in the family with proud parents and three adoring older sisters, Marty has plenty of fans of his own.
He graduated from Villa Park High School in 2006 with some crazy long hair and a big time passion for snowboarding. He went on to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder where he was on the snowboarding team and also perfected his volleyball game as the team captain for the Buffs. Marty landed an internship in Denver where he worked in sports broadcasting and production for Altitude Sports, covering the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche. His long hair was tamed, and he graduated with close friends and a valuable degree.
Without skipping a beat, Marty began his professional life and eventually returned to California to pursue a great opportunity with TricorBraun. With his new job, his best buds, the beach, the Angels and the Lakers – Marty had everything he wanted.
Unfortunately, tragedy can strike the best of us. Marty’s accident in August 2012 resulted in a spinal cord injury, and after surgery and hospitalization, he has begun his long road to recovery. Although the times ahead will be extremely challenging, Marty knows that with the support of family and friends and his will to succeed, nothing is insurmountable. His spirits are high and he will continue to fight everyday with the determination and spirit that are his trademarks.
Marty’s Accident: Life Changes in an Instant
On August 12th, 2012, Marty’s life took a devastating turn when he fell on a staircase and suffered a spinal cord injury that resulted in nerve damage and paralysis.
Marty underwent corrective surgery the next day at Western Medical Center to relieve the pressure of a ruptured disc on his spinal cord. After five days in the Critical Care Unit, he was transferred to St. Jude’s Acute Spinal Cord Unit where, during the next 63 days, he valiantly began his journey to regain use of his arms and legs. This was followed by 85 days of more intense therapy at Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation Transitional Living Center in Pomona, CA and then St. Jude’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Center.
Marty continues his intense rehabilitation at the Goodwill Fitness Center. Though the effects of his injury have altered life as he knew it, Marty is determined to rebuild his life and, God willing, one day use his arms and walk again. His positive attitude and fierce perseverance have inspired all of us. We cannot stress enough the value of your continued support.
