Claudia Martinez
One can only imagine the mental fortitude needed to remain positive despite such a diagnosis. Martinez, though, had that in abundance. She graduated college, before going on to attend UTHealth McGovern Medical School.
“Since I was first diagnosed, I’ve had six major brain surgeries,” she said.
“I thought I’d have one surgery. I knew my life would be a little different, but I thought I would have this surgery and go on to med school. And that would kind of be the end of my story. But it’s been quite the opposite of that.”
Claudia Martinez
Of them all, it was her last surgery – in February 2017 – that proved the most frightening. Martinez had a stroke that left her unable to function below the neck.
“I had to relearn how to do absolutely everything,” said Martinez. “My mom had to shower me, dress me.”
In a display of indomitable courage, however, Martinez never stopped pursuing the one thing she wanted to do. She underwent therapy at TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehab Hospital, learning how to walk again through the use of an Exoskeleton for several months. This incredible young woman is now in her final year at UTHealth, and will graduate next year!
See more on Martinez’s story in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMWTwkubrRY
What an incredible young girl. Martinez can be a source of inspiration for us all!
Share this article if you agree that Martinez deserves praise for her strength and determination. Nothing can stop you in your pursuit of your dream!