"Zon"

On May 8, 2001, Penny Gaskill, one of my committee members called me regarding a young man who had been diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia. His name is Zonald Martin ll and he is 33 years old. His wife, Tammy, is 26 years old. "Zon" thought he was ill with the flu. He had felt bad for two weeks. He was sleeping more often than normal, began having night sweats, and lost eight pounds in two weeks. He reached a point where he could barely walk. Finally, when his platelets dropped to a dangerous level, a test of his bone marrow revealed the devastating news-Zon had leukemia. He and Tammy had dated for three years, then they were engaged for three years, and presently have been happily married for three years. Zon was Tammy's "knight in shining armor" because Tammy had health problems also. She suffers from a rare form of crippling arthritis. Zon had always been her pillar of strength. Now he was so very ill that she had to care for him. His treatment has been long and difficult. He spent three weeks in the Arthur James Cancer Center at OSU in Columbus, Ohio. He has undergone intrathecal treatment which consists of numerous spinal taps. The spinal fluid is withdrawn and a very strong chemotherapy called methotrexate is injected. This treatment is a preventative to keep the leukemia from reaching the brain. Zon has been in and out of the hospitals many times battling this disease. Naturally, he has been unable to work and he needed Tammy at home to care for him. Medical bills were mounting while regular obligations could not be met. "Help From The Heart" was able to ease their financial burdens until Zon's disability benefits were effective. Penny Gaskill surprised Tammy and Zon with a check. They were overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness. They could not believe that a foundation such as "Help From The Heart" existed. Penny said that it was a moment in her life that she would never forget. She was overcome with heartwarming emotions just to be a part of helping this young couple in need. I have not had the pleasure of meeting Tammy and Zon. I was recovering from surgery at the time. I have spoken with them both on the phone and recently learned that Zon was in remission. He is finished with his inpatient treatments and will continue the course of therapy as an outpatient. Please remember Tammy and Zon in your prayers. They are a wonderful couple who have dedicated their lives to one another. Their journey has been a difficult one, but with their faith in God and determination not to allow this disease to "run their lives", they will be able to conquer it all. May God continue to bless your lives and keep you in His care.