Pupils and staff at Bellefontaine Intermediate School came alongside their friend, third-grader Ema Martinez, during her fight against brain cancer last week, raising $2,889.49 for her family, along with $2,889.49 in support of the Logan County Cancer Society.
The Moving for Martinez walk Monday, May 15, was the culmination of several fundraising activities for Ema throughout the year, including a Valentine’s dance, escape room and sucker sales, conducted by student leaders at the school.
School representatives said Moving for Martinez continued the school’s 16-year annual tradition of hosting a cancer walk at BIS. Mary Rutan Hospital sponsored the festivities this year.
Fifth-grader Leo Reser-Stanford served as the emcee for the event, and he introduced fellow student Ellie Rick for a poem reading and Alexis Hogan with a quote for a special presentation.
During this school year, Ema has spent a considerable amount of time in Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus for her treatments. She has recently returned to school, attending for about two hours a day.
Ema’s cousins Carlota Moran Rangel and Amanda Moran also spoke to the crowd about Ema’s treatments.
“Ema is a very kind and easy-to-love person. When we were little we loved to play tag and hide-and-seek,” Amanda said. “In second-grade, Ema stopped playing so much. She wanted to chill upstairs instead of playing because her head hurt and she felt sick.”
“Then her mom took her to the children’s hospital,” Carlota recalled. “At first they said she just had headaches. Then, her mom took her to another hospital and they said she had brain cancer.”
Her cousins noted that Ema had surgery and her doctors have taken very good care of her.
“At first I didn’t really understand what brain cancer was. I felt left out, but my mom explained it to me. Then it made me very sad to be away from my best friend,” Carlota said.
Carlota and Amanda also recalled what Ema’s recovery has been like.
“When Ema came home she was the same kind, sweet, easy-to-love person, but she didn’t have a lot of energy,” Carlota said. “We would color, but we couldn’t do the same old things like playing ball. Still, I got to be really responsible and helpful as her bestie. I love being with her.
“We were happy when Ema came home because we hadn’t seen her in a year,” Amanda said. “I was hopeful that she would be back to normal playful, energetic Ema in no time. Ema is still healing but we have fun together playing Roblox, watching TV and talking.”
The family is deeply appreciative for the support from BIS and the community, Ema’s mom Mrs. Yosneri Rangel said, with Amanda interpreting for her aunt. Ema’s cousins expressed their gratitude as well.
“Thank you for supporting Ema and our family. Seeing everyone love on Ema and our family makes me feel grateful and included,” Carlota said.
“We want to show you how much we appreciate you supporting Ema through her journey while recovering. I want to thank God for everything he has done for us through Ema’s challenging journey,” Amanda said. “We have faith that God is in control.”.
Ema led the honor laps at BIS, and banner carriers for the event were Sennett Stolly and Rowan Daring.
Co- chairs for this year’s walk were BIS staff Jon Reminder, Lori Horn, Ashley Reser and Tammy Overholser
At previous years’ cancer walks at BIS, the following cancer survivors have been honored: teacher Mrs. Horn in her breast cancer fight; along with eighth-grader Kylie Eaton, seventh-grader Thane Admire, nurse Nancy Harmon, Heather Rister and Scott Maier.