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Fundraising Events and Efforts: (Updated:
7/14/2005) ROCK BLOCK PARTY Support Justin Martinez bracelets can be purchased at various local locations. The Martinez family has established the Justin Martinez Medical Fund through the North Districts Community Credit Union, If you are a member of this credit union, you can transfer any donation from your Credit Union Account to his. Please send other donations to the: Justin Martinez Trust Fund
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Justin
was born on April 5th 1988, the second of two twin boys. Along
with his brother Jay and older sister
Katie they were typical
youngsters. Playing sports, going to school, spending time with family
and friends. Even when he was younger Justin had always felt a little different.
He wasn't sure what it was, none of us were. He had physicals and all seemed
to be normal. Then just shy of his 15th birthday while playing in a high
school lacrosse game Justin passed out while running. Even though he recovered
quickly something was wrong. A routine doctor's examination revealed that
Justin had a slight 'click' in his heart. He went to Children's Hospital
for some testing where an EKG and an echocardiogram showed he had signs
of high pressure in his heart. He took one more test, a heart cauterization.
This showed that his right side heart pressures were three times higher
than normal. He had a condition know as primary pulmonary hypertension.
It is a very rare condition that has no known cure. It is manageable with
medication to certain levels. Since he was first diagnosed Justin's pressures
have gone higher putting him in a dangerous position. He is currently waiting
for a double lung transplant. It his doctor's and his families hope that
once this is achieved, Justin can lead a normal life again.