On behalf of the Martinez family, I am asking you to share this message, pray over and bless this family, in any way you feel led.
 
When I asked Danny, the father of little Joel, if I could start a support now for their family, his response was, “I normally would have said no, but I was told that by refusing, I may be taking away another's blessing.”
 
Danny is a father, deeply rooted in faith, who is carrying more than any father or husband should ever have to endure.
 
This week, their precious 22-month-old son, baby Joel, was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma Embryonal cancer, at a time when Danny and his wife Audrey should be resting and nesting, and preparing to welcome their second son, baby Joshua, as Audrey is currently 38 weeks pregnant. 
 
On May 11 of this year, the same day little Joel received his cancer diagnosis, Danny was hired as Youth Pastor at Solid Rock Church.  While stepping into a calling to serve God’s Kingdom, this family has faced one overwhelming trial after another.
 
The family recently relocated back to Florida to be closer to family.  They are currently under contract to purchase their first family home, with a closing date of May 29, 2026. Due to the long-distance move, they have very few personal belongings, and this is where we can come together as children of God. 
 
We are humbly asking for help creating a nursery for baby Joshua, and putting together a Lightning McQueen and Chicken Little room where Joel can rest during chemo, surgery, and possibly radiation treatments. 
 
The financial burden that comes with a diagnosis like this is immense and extremely taxing on a family. They will be commuting two hours each way from Inverness, Florida, to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for all treatments and appointments. 
 
Mama, Audrey, is doing everything she can to stay healthy and positive and is praying baby Joshua stays in long enough that she does not have to be separated from Joel during this difficult time.
 
Joel’s cancer was first discovered after the family cat scratched his eye, and the area would not heal. This prompted numerous trips to the Children’s Hospital and ultimately drew attention to what doctors found to be a tumor. At this time, the tumor is located inside Joel’s nose, pressing against his eye, and one of his teeth.
 
He is scheduled for port placement on Monday, May 18, 2026. Joel will also undergo a PET scan, bone marrow biopsy, and lumbar puncture to make sure the cancer has not metastasized anywhere else. We are leaning on God and praying that all of Joel’s tests come back negative and that the cancer does not spread.
 
Little Joel will then start aggressive chemotherapy treatments followed by surgery to remove the tumor, after it hopefully shrinks. The doctor thinks there is a good chance he will need radiation, which comes with other complications.
 
The average time for treatment for this type of cancer is 42 weeks. 

 
This family is moving mountains for God’s Kingdom, and the enemy has relentlessly come against them. They are facing battles far heavier than any family should have to bear in such a short time. They are holding strong to their faith, remembering that God is the ultimate healer, and they will not be shaken.
 
Please pray for God’s healing hand to cover Joel, strength for Danny and Audrey, protection for baby Joshua, and a safe delivery for baby and mama, wisdom for all the doctors, and peace that surpasses all understanding for this entire family. 
 
Every prayer, donation, act of kindness, and sharing of this message means more than words can express.
 
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Those who would like to help the family can:

Thank you.