PALMERSTON – The community is coming together in Palmerston later this month to support Scott Martin and his family as he faces a long road to recovery.
The fifth annual Community Hockey Fundraiser, this year known as “The Martin Comeback Classic”, takes place October 23rd and 24th at the Palmerston and District Community Centre.
Beth Mason, a member of Scotty’s Fundraising Committee, says the event is about bringing people together to support Scott, his wife Hannah, and their young son, Jack.
The fundraiser comes after Scott was suddenly hospitalized over Mother’s Day weekend when he experienced severe symptoms that quickly worsened.
According to the family’s fundraising announcement, doctors believe Scott suffered from meningitis, but his condition has been highly atypical, making it difficult to determine how he contracted it or provide a clear prognosis. “What is known is that Scott faces a long road ahead, with recovery expected to take months to years as his body works to heal.”
In August, Scott was accepted into the spinal rehabilitation program at Parkwood Hospital in London, where he has begun the next phase of his recovery.
“This is an encouraging step forward and gives him access to the specialized care and resources he needs as he continues to fight each day. While Scott continues to approach his recovery with strength and determination each day, the road ahead will be long.”
Scott is described as “a devoted husband to Hannah and a proud dad to their son, Jack.”
The announcement adds that he is “the kind of person who brings a smile wherever he goes — a true hockey lover with a quiet strength, strong work ethic, and a great sense of humour.”
While Scott continues to work toward recovery, the financial pressures on the family remain a concern, the fundraising announcement said.
“Hannah, who recently returned to work as a NICU nurse following maternity leave, does not currently qualify for Employment Insurance benefits.”
The committee says the tournament is about “rallying around Scott, Hannah, and Jack — to support them, to lift them up, and to remind them they are not alone.”
It adds that all proceeds will go directly toward helping ease the family’s financial burden, including “medical-related expenses, lost income, and the many unexpected costs associated with a prolonged hospitalization and recovery.”
The two-day event will feature competitive hockey, a silent auction, prizes, a bake sale, and food throughout the tournament.
Friday’s games run from 7 to 11 p.m., with burgers, snacks, and drinks available from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday’s tournament runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks served throughout the day.
A ceremonial puck drop is scheduled before the noon game on Saturday.
The committee is encouraging residents to come out, enjoy the hockey, and help support the Martin family during this challenging time.
Food and drink tickets can be purchased at the door with cash. Donations can also be made by e-transfer to communityfundraiser2022@gmail.com.
Organizers say every contribution will help support Scott and his family as he continues his recovery.
