Tech instructor battling heart disease in need of life-saving surgery
Published:Tuesday | April 25, 2023 | 1:10 AMTamara Bailey/Gleaner Writer
The dark realities of a battle with progressive rheumatic heart disease that has now developed into severe mitral valve stenosis have left David Martin in a quandary, with a waning hope that his life will return to some normalcy.
A technology instructor, who has been pursuing his passions of helping young people reach their full potential and teaching animation, suffered a stroke in February 2022, leaving one side of his body paralysed and rendering him unable to work.
Added to that, with a significant blow to his confidence, Martin, who has done teaching stints at secondary and tertiary institutions in Jamaica and the region, had to relearn simple things he once mastered.
“My stroke happened while I was in bed, ironically, on the night I decided to exercise before bed. In hindsight, as a workaholic, there were signs that I downplayed, such as consistent high blood pressure ... . I rolled off the bed and realised I could not get back on,” he told The Gleaner, recalling how his world suddenly went into a tailspin.
His wife Camille, who quickly realised what was happening, crushed baby aspirin and forced it down his throat, before rushing him to the hospital.
“So many things happened, but I know I am still here because God and his angels were protecting me ... . I used to get tired and fatigued after minimal physical activity, but I thought I just wasn’t fit. I also had issues breathing, numbness in my arms, high blood pressure, etc., but I didn’t know about my heart condition till after I suffered the stroke,” Martin recalled.
This initial realisation of a new normal created a whirlwind of emotions that challenged Martin’s faith.
“It wasn’t easy. I had so many plans. Now I had to battle left-side paralysis, I couldn’t walk or move my left arm and fingers. I wanted to die,” he admitted. “But God came through with miracles and answered prayers. Depression, hopelessness, denial, and suicidal thoughts, I cycled through all of them with scripture and prayer. Whatever the challenge, I find that there is peace in the scriptures,” the adjunct animation/multimedia lecturer, evangelist and a Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination instructor noted.
He has improved mentally and physically after losing almost 40 lbs. He is also fitter and can now do push-ups with one arm, and relies less on a wheelchair and cane to get around. But Martin is still far from where he needs to be for optimal health.
“I have occasional seizures and I wish to be stronger. I don’t like this new reality, not for me or my child and family members. The struggle to do basic things is frustrating, but God has blessed me with an indomitable spirit. Giving up is not an option. As long as there is a God in Heaven, I have already won this battle. I am blessed. I am literally a walking miracle despite everything. I keep hope alive because God is faithful,” Martin told The Gleaner.
With no income since he fell ill over a year ago, mounting medical bills, and the need for surgery that costs more than $3.5 million, he is hoping that God will provide for him in ways he hasn’t been able to provide for himself since he became ill.
“Currently, my bills consist of medicine, physiotherapy and food for my household, but because of the progression of the rheumatic heart disease, my condition has moved from mild to severe, so now, I need mitral valve replacement surgery,” he disclosed. “Depending on where I get it done, I have to budget for at least $3.5 million for surgery and aftercare.”
With a heart of gratitude for those who have donated to, prayed for and supported his cause, Martin said he continues to build his faith as God shows His hand daily.
“My initial income and sustenance have come at great sacrifice from donations from real friends, my family, here and abroad, and great Samaritans, my church, and, occasionally, when I get an online teaching gig. By whatever avenue God has provided, it has been nothing short of a miracle how I have survived till now unable to work,” he said.
How you can help
To make donations towards David Martin’s surgery or to assist with other needs, email dmultimedia77@gmail.com or WhatsApp (876)802-3286.