Stories of progress, inspiration, and information in overcoming osteosarcoma.

Izzy Martin sitting down at the beach wearing a white dress and jean jacket

A Vibrant Life, a Tenacious Cancer Advocate: Izzy Martin’s Story

During a two-year battle with osteosarcoma, Isabelle “Izzy” Martin (February 7, 2010–July 29, 2022) maintained her characteristic spunk and selflessness, using her voice to inspire others.

On February 13, 2020, 10-year-old Isabelle Martin, nicknamed Izzy, was doing what she loved most: dancing. Izzy had been dancing in competitions since she could walk. Just two weeks earlier, she had placed in the top 12 in an international dance competition.

At her regular dance lesson, only a moment into her routine, Izzy collapsed. X-rays at Children’s Medical Center Plano revealed that her femur was broken.

“Bones, especially femurs, do not just break,” says Izzy’s mom, Christine Martin. The pediatrician explained that Izzy’s bone was compromised from what looked to be a tumor.

After multiple scans, doctors confirmed the family’s worst nightmare. Izzy had osteosarcoma, the most common form of childhood bone cancer. For the next two and a half years, she underwent medical tests, procedures, medications, surgeries, and therapies to treat both the original osteosarcoma in her femur, and, later, a relapse in her jaw. She passed away the morning of July 29, 2022. Her osteosarcoma story and passing were covered in news outlets such as NBC Dallas Fort Worth.

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“Research and trials are necessary to help kids like me. None of it can happen without money. The more we talk about it, the more people will know and the more they can help.” — Izzy Martin
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