A life lesson: one family, two cancers, one great fight for the future

Vananh Martinez and her 2-year-old son Alec have had to battle cancer

By Kristen Forbes

The Times, Feb 5, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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At Emanuel Children’s Hospital, the family met renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Monica Wehby, who explained that the tumor had caused Alec’s brain to swell and block the fluid that drains to the spine. He would need surgery to release the pressure. At this point, removing the tumor in its entirety would have been too risky — doctors weren’t sure what they were up against, yet. Around 40 percent of the tumor was removed, and then the pathology results came in: ependymoma, a rare tumor that is diagnosed in between 100 and 200 children each year.

Another surgery followed, but still the entire tumor couldn’t be removed. The risk of debilitation was too great, so only another 10 percent was extricated. At this point, Dr. Wehby recommended that the family go to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

On Dec. 14, the family flew out. Throughout the plane ride, Alec was in a great deal of pain and unable to sleep — in addition to being unable to walk or swallow. At the hospital, more scans and MRIs followed. A tumor board consulted on the case. Another renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Frederick Boop, became involved. A team of doctors tracked the tumor’s progress.

“This is where it gets really, really sad,” Stephen says, tears welling. “They said the tumor had grown back to its original size.”

Four doctors explained that the tumor was in the brain stem. They showed the scan — a tumor the size of a golf ball, wrapped around the artery that goes from the heart to the brain. They wanted to get Alec in for surgery right away.

Dr. Boop and his partner, Dr. Stanford, operated together on what was the biggest tumor they had ever seen.

Stephen had just completed a silent prayer when the doctors came in and let him know that they got it — the whole tumor this time.

“It was an absolute miracle,” Stephen says. “But he’s still debilitated.”

For Alec, the battle is only beginning. Alec’s left side was affected by both the tumor and a miniature stroke he suffered during one of the surgeries: Hearing and facial movement on his left side have been compromised.

Now he can’t walk, move his limbs or swallow.

Alec recently transferred from St. Jude’s to OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, where he remains in the ICU and is set to start chemotherapy soon.

The Benson Hotel, LAIKA, Semper Fashion, and photographer Christina Weber have teamed up to present “For Alec: A Fashion Benefit for Alexander Martinez” to coincide with Portland Fashion Week. Doors will open at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28 at the Mayfair Ballroom at the Benson Hotel. Music will precede the show, which starts at 9 p.m. Cost is $15 at the door, plus food and drinks. Proceeds will go to the Martinez family to help with medical and living expenses.

You can read more about the family’s journey at www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexandermartinez .

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