On Sept. 22, 15-year-old Richmond High School student Emily Martin was in a near-fatal automobile accident while on her way back home to Richmond Hill following a birthday party in Savannah. Since that time, she has been in the intensive care unit of Memorial Hospital, experiencing physical trauma that few young people have had to endure.
The Martin family, along with some of Emily’s fellow students and teachers, have been enduring some of the pain along with her as they hope and pray for a full recovery.
Some in the community have taken action to help the family in their time of need. A successful blood drive in Emily’s honor was held at the high school recently and resulted in around 70 donations.
Richmond Hill resident Jane Haray, a friend of the family, has banded together with three Carver Elementary teachers, where Emily’s mother Pam works, and a neighbor of the Martins in the Pierceville subdivision. The five have formed a committee that plans to raise funds in order to help the family tackle some of Emily’s enormous medical expenses that have been mounting since the accident.
The group is planning to set out donation canisters with Emily’s picture on them at area businesses.
They are also planning numerous fundraisers, with the first one being today at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s restaurant.
Haray said a similar event is being planned at Hill of Beans in the near future. She is also contemplating a car wash and a silent auction to try to raise funds for the family offset medical expenses incurred throughout Martin’s extended hospital stay, as well as for medical equipment and physical therapy that may be required during her recovery.
"The more we ask around, the more we discover that people want to help," said Haray. "It’s our goal to give them a way to be able to do that. We’re very grateful to Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Hill of Beans and all the individuals who have genuinely been so concerned and willing to help. Richmond Hill is a very unique community. They seem to come together in situations like this."
To help, dine at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s sometime today as 15 percent of your bill will go toward the Martin family.
Also, an account has been set up at Bryan Bank and Trust in Emily’s name in which contributions can be made.
For further details or to volunteer for future fundraisers, call Haray at 727-4012.