Amber Martinez, a dedicated wife and mother of two from the Cy-Fair area, is fighting for her life after being diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. As the tumors continue to grow despite chemotherapy, Amber’s best chance at survival is a critical surgery that she and her family are struggling to afford. In this time of uncertainty, the community is coming together to support Amber in her fight.
Amber’s story begins like many others—filled with hope, love, and ambition. She is a beloved member of the Cy-Fair community, known for her strength and dedication to her family. Her daughter, Nicole, is an honor-roll student at Cy-Ridge High School and the captain of the varsity cheer team. Amber’s son, Adrian, who has autism, requires special care, and Amber has always been there for him, just as she has for her husband, Ernie, with whom she has shared 17 years of love and partnership.
But Amber's life took a drastic turn when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. “I’ve learned that while cancer may invade the body, it can never take away the power of hope, the strength of family, and the determination to keep going,” said Amber. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and countless treatments, the cancer has spread, and her doctors say surgery is her only chance at remission.
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The financial burden of this surgery is overwhelming for Amber and her family. With medical bills mounting and her illness affecting her ability to contribute to the household, they are struggling to meet the costs. Amber shares, “The road has been long and hard, but I believe in the power of love and faith. I know that this surgery is not just a chance for me to live; it’s a chance for me to keep being the wife, the mother, the person that my family needs me to be. And for that, I will keep fighting with everything I have.”
Amber’s story resonated deeply with Cameron Dickey, a close friend who knows all too well the pain of battling cancer. Cameron’s own family faced a similar fight when his wife, Kimberly, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer several years ago. “This hits close to home,” Cameron shared, explaining how he met Amber through a chance encounter after a small fender bender in a convenience store parking lot. “I was immediately transported back in time to the multi-year ‘battlefield’ of my wife’s fight with cancer. Flashes of medications, doctor’s appointments, treatments, and hospital stays flooded my memory.”
With deep empathy and a desire to help, Cameron organized a fundraiser for Amber and her family. He’s committed to raising the $8,000 needed for Amber’s surgery, and he believes that with the help of the community, this goal is achievable. Cameron said, “I know, first hand, the desperate yet faithful hopes of a young mom and wife who wants to be able to stay in this world…to finish raising her kids, to keep loving and living life with her husband.”
Amber’s fight is far from over, but she is determined to keep pushing for her family. “I’m not just fighting for myself—I’m fighting for Ernie, for Adrian, for Nicole…for our whole family,” she shared. “I want to be here to see Adrian grow, to watch Nicole walk across that stage at high school graduation and college graduation, to be there for every small moment and every big milestone that awaits both of them.”
Amber and her family need help from their community. As we settle into the holiday season, a time when many reflect on their blessings, Amber’s family is hoping that others will consider lending a hand. The initial fundraising goal of $4,500 is a small but crucial step toward helping Amber receive the surgery she so desperately needs, and every contribution—no matter how big or small—makes a difference.
If you would like to help Amber and her family during this challenging time, you can donate directly to the fundraiser through this link. Your support will not only help cover medical expenses but will also remind Amber and her family that they are not alone in this fight.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact in Amber’s battle against ovarian cancer and give her the chance to be there for the many milestones still to come.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
