Portland teen with lymphoma gets last wish with help from Sammamish community
DENVER, Colo. — Portland teen, Martin Howe, nicknamed “Nitty,” is headed to Denver, which is home to his favorite football team, the Denver Broncos.
But it isn’t just a vacation for him.
Martin was diagnosed with lymphoma in September. His family says treatment didn’t work and doctors say he may only have three more weeks to live. But what’s important to them now is enjoying the time they have together.
Martin’s uncle in Sammamish put a post on Facebook, looking for a Colorado connection. The city’s mayor, Christie Malchow, is from Denver and she reached out to a friend for a favor.
Twelve hours later, Martin got a call from Peyton Manning. The NFL legend offered the young man his support.
The family landed in Denver Monday, where they’ll spend Martin’s final days. Martin will get to see the city and meet the Broncos at their stadium.
"It's bittersweet, but probably the most fun time of my life, and in his as well," said Martin's dad, Justin Howe. "He's always faced his fights with a can-do attitude, and trying to enjoy today and not focus so much on where the destiny is. And that's how we plan to show him to live as we plan to take that trip off to Colorado for his final ride."
