By Matt Youngfrau
NEVERSINK — July 3, 2001 – In March, three-year-old Michael Martin of Neversink developed back pain, unusual in a child of his age. After several doctors and several tests, on April 6, Martin’s parents, Mike and Chrissy, were told that their young son had leukemia.
The prognosis, however, is not dire, as the leukemia is not in the spine or the brain. Doctors at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, where Michael has gone for treatment, give him an 80-85 percent chance of being cured.
However, he must continue the treatment for the next three years.
Due to his constant needs (Michael cannot be exposed to disease, as his immune system is not up to speed), Chrissy has had to give up her job at the George Gershowitz Bus Company. Medical and travel expenses have begun to rise, too.
So to help the Martins out, their friend, John Whiteman, organized a benefit garage sale.
"They are pretty good friends," Whiteman commented. "We will do what we can to raise money for them."
"It touches me the way the community has helped us out," remarked Chrissy Martin. "We hope and pray everything will work. It is an emotional roller coaster."
Items for the garage sale can be dropped off at the Gershowitz Bus Garage in Neversink on Thursday, July 5 (6-8 p.m.) or Friday, July 6, starting at 8 a.m. The sale itself will take place on Friday, July 6, and Saturday, July 7 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.). A box will also be set up for cash donations.