Family to raise funds to fight cancer

CANCER SURVIVOR Karly Martinez, center front, stands with her sisters Kathy, left, and Corrina, right, and her parents, Geovani and Corrina, rear. They are spearheading a benefit for the Relay for Life that will be held in the parking lot of the Diamond Center in Diamond Springs. Democrat photo by Pat Dollins

What: Sweet Miracles Benefit El Dorado County Relay for Life/American Cancer Society

Who: The Martinez Family

Where: Diamond Center, 4242 Fowler Lane in Diamond Springs, in the parking lot

When: Saturday, June 23 from 5 to 11 p.m. Blue Sky Day is performing from 6 to 9 p.m..

Cost: Admission to the benefit is free

Information: Corrina Martinez at 530-919-2201

One look at Karly Martinez and most people would not realize that the 9 year old Diamond Springs resident is a cancer survivor.

In January 2009, at the age of 6, she was diagnosed with leukemia, a bone marrow disease characterized by an abnormal increase of white blood cells. For 2 1/2 years, Martinez went through chemotherapy and last July, the soon-to-be fourth grader at Indian Creek School in Placerville, officially finished treatment and was declared cleared by her doctors.

“Really good, happy,” said  Karly about how she feels today.

During her treatments, the American Cancer Society helped Karly and her family, according to Corrina Martinez, Karly’s mother.

One of the ways the society helped out was on each Mother’s Day, the family and other families who had a child battling cancer were treated to a day of fun at Six Flags Great American in Santa Clara that included free admission, free rides and a barbecue. That was comforting for Karly and Corrina, 39, along with Corrina’s husband, Geovani, 35, and their other three children, Charles Spaulding, 15; Kathy, 8; and Corrina, 6.

“We were supported by the American Cancer Society,” Karly’s mother said. “They did so much for us.”

Now the Martinez family wants to help the American Cancer Society. The family is putting on the Sweet Miracles Diamond Center Gala Benefit for the upcoming Relay For Life in El Dorado County.

The benefit takes place Saturday, June 23 at 4242 Fowler Lane in Diamond Springs, in the parking lot where the Diamond Center Farmers and Peddlers Market is located.

“We created an event with local vendors,” Corrina said.

There will be plenty of free activities for the children, Corrina said. That includes a bounce house, arts and various games. Family style foods such as hot dogs, nachos and desserts, plus water and sodas will be available to purchase.

Corrina said most of the vendors at the fundraiser will provide a variety of items for sale.

Rob Ludwig is scheduled to make glass beads and other forms of jewelry. LD Wiggins, a Shingle Springs children’s author will bring his books.

Children and adults who donate a new toy or kid-size blanket at the Sweet Miracles booth will get a free cotton candy. The new toys and blankets, Corrina said, will go to children battling cancer.

Live jazz music from Blue Sky Day will take place between 6 to 9 p.m.

Corrina said proceeds will go to El Dorado County’s Relay for Life that will be held in September at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville.

There is no admission to the benefit.

Vendors wanting to reserve a spot or for more information can contact Corrina at 530-919-2201.

Contact Mike Bush at 530-344-5079 or mbush@mtdemocrat.net. Follow @MBushMtDemo on Twitter. 

Mike Bush

Mike Bush has been working at the Mountain Democrat since August 2011. Mike is the Sports Writer and Features Writer.

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