Barely a week goes by when I don't get an e-mail from a reader wondering how Victoria Martinsen has been since I wrote about her in September. Here's an update on the remarkable little girl and how the community continues to reach out to her family.
Victoria was diagnosed with a rare cancer in January 2007, a month after her 4th birthday. She lives in Providence Pointe with her father, Nils, mother, Elizabeth, and brothers Alexander, 7, and Niklas, 17 months. But she has spent most of the past year at the Levine Children's Hospital, and celebrated her 5th birthday there.
Victoria is there again now, undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments to continue fighting the rogue cancer that has now spread to her lungs. There isn't a good roadmap for treating her because only one or two children out of 1 million get her type of aggressive cancer. But the family has great faith and is diligent in their hope that they will find the right treatment.
Elizabeth Martinsen also says they are overwhelmed daily by the love and support shown to the family.
On Mother's Day, friends brought over a gift basket so the children would have something to give her. It was filled with donations from Lowe's Home Improvement, JoJo's China Bistro, Tony Roma's, Harris Teeter, The Jewel Box, and the Morrison YMCA.
In her online journal at www.CaringBridge.org, Elizabeth wrote: "I was totally blown away by my gift bag full of wonderful things that I could not have imagined... what an awesome blessing. Just when I feel I cannot go on the Lord places someone in my path to lift me and encourage me to keep going."
Elizabeth is a former teacher turned stay-at-home mom. Husband Nils is a self-employed consultant and works from home. The couple met at UNC Charlotte when Nils was an exchange student from Norway.
Folks across southern Mecklenburg have reached out to the Martinsens to provide free babysitting, meals, and even help with household chores including laundry.
A recent yard sale in the Martinsen's Providence Pointe neighborhood raised $3,600 to help with medical and other expenses.
"There were two garages filled with donated items for our sale," Elizabeth Martinsen said. "People gave furniture, exercise equipment, handmade items, clothing with tags still on them, and the list goes on... Some shoppers left literally with items by truckload."
Elizabeth says there have been great weeks since Victoria's diagnosis, including the one they spent at Walt Disney World with help from the Make-a-Wish Foundation. But too many have been spent at the Levine Children's Hospital.
They are exhausted and are leaning on their faith to get them through this journey. Elizabeth's online journal tells of how the generosity of the community humbles them every day.
They have learned to live in the moment and celebrate small victories. On May 5, Victoria did an impromptu performance for some hospital staff on a toy guitar. Elizabeth wrote:
"In slow motion she strummed the guitar and sang, `Jesus you are my King, go away cancer, go away cancer. No more pain, no more pain.' I was amazed...out of the mouths of babes. We wrapped it up with a `hallelujah' and an `amen.' She climbed back into bed, got her chemo and took a nap. Kids are in a class of their own."
Voices
Want to help?
Read about Victoria Martinsen here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/victoriamartinsen. • Grace Jokela is helping coordinate help for the Martinsen family. Reach her at 704-614-0030 or gjokela@gmail.com.
• Jodi Basinger is organizing help with meals for the family; 704-806-3187 or jbasinger@mindspring.com.
• Donations may be made to the "Help Victoria" fund at any Wachovia branch.
• The family is selling A Purpose for Life bracelets at www.helpvictoria.org.
Upcoming fundraisers
• "Martinis & Heels," a networking event at On the Roxx on May 29 at 6 p.m. Cover is $15. Details: 704-969-0490.
• "A Purpose for Life" dinner gala on June 21, details to be announced. Information: www.streamersevents.com. Vanessa
Willis
