Happy Holidays! I wanted to let everyone know that this Friday, December 4th, Betto will be in Leon for what (we hope) will be his final chemotherapy . He is in good spirits and is looking forward to this part of his recovery being over. After this, he will undergo a biopsy in the second lumbar where the original Lymphoma was found. That will be an over night stay in the hospital. He will then begin his radiation therapy which he has been told will begin in the second lumbar and go up the spinal cord into the neck. Lymphoma has the ability to travel to the brain when found in the spine. They will be trying to get every cell of it before the end of treatment. Betto knows he still has more steps to go, but is with a warm heart and positive spirit. He has been released from the spinal surgeon and is ready for the spine and back rehabilitation. Betto's nephew Daniel will be helping in the bicycle shop during the holidays with possible tours and his sister Victoria will continue to keep the shop open while Betto recovers from the chemotherapy and radiation. With GOD'S help he will be back on his bike in March! Thanks to all of you this can be a reality!!

Much Love,

Natalie

I had some computer access today at the hospital so I wanted to send an update! Beto had his chemo treatment last week, had a rough couple of days after, but was able to travel to Dallas with his sister and brother in law for a visit. He and my mother are driving back to SMA today. The doctor's are recommending a treatment plan of 3 more chemo treatments followed by some radiation. This is what they are hoping can take care of the cancer and put Beto in remission. Please pray that this course of action can take care of the cancer and put Beto back on his bike where he belongs :)

Thank you all for your continued support and donations. They are much needed to finish this treatment process and get Beto in good health. Your letters and emails have helped his moral tremendously and given him a pep in his step :)

As things get calmer here, I will try to be better at the updates.

Much Love,

Natalie

Hi there! I am so sorry for the delay in information! Things have been a bit crazy as I have been in the hospital, but I am happy to announce that Beto is a grandfather! Ty and I had our son 3 days ago. He came 2 months early and is still in the ICU, but doing great!

Beto had his 4th chemo treatment yesterday and is feeling pretty bad today. The doctor thinks that 3 more treatments are necessary with a follow-up of radiation to ensure it does not spread up the spine. He is hanging in there and continues to take it one day at a time. Thank you for the continued support as I know this is a long road. I hope to speak with Beto tonight so more to come...

Much Love,

Natalie

Thursday Night!

Wow! Thank you all for an amazing event. You all helped raise $13,803.59 for Beto's treatment. That is amazing! I am sad I was unable to attend the event, but I heard that it was a beautiful night for a beautiful life. It was touching for Beto to be able to see everyone and feel the love and support behind him. Thank you for all your hard work, donations, and purchases. You are all amazing. I will post pictures from the event as I get them.

Much Love,

Natalie

Good Morning,

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! Beto had his third, (thank you, thank you!!!!), chemotherapy treatment on Friday and is home and resting well. It seems that each treatment effects his body differently which I have found really interesting. This particular treatment has effected his mind more than anything making his memory bad and spotty. 

The fundraiser is Thursday so we are excited about that! It should be wonderful. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard on the fundraiser and donated their time, art, and services. 

Please continue to pray for Beto and his journey with this horrible disease. After the next treatment (treatment #4) we will be half-way through the treatment. Please pray that the cancer will be eliminated and Beto can continue with his life. 

Much Love,

Natalie

I hope all is well! I apologize for the week of absence. Ty and I were out of town for a couple of weeks. 

Beto continues to do well and is hanging in there. As many of you know, chemo just takes so much out of you. There are good days and bad days. The blood work indicates that the white blood cell count continues to decline. Thank you all dearly for all of your continued support and prayers. 

Things have come together for the fundraiser and I hope you all get to make it! It will be a beautiful evening. As you know, tickets can be purchased on the blog homepage or at the door. They are $15 or $200.00 pesos. Each tickets get you in the door, 2 glasses of wine and tapas.

As soon as I get more information on medical care or Beto's condition, I will let you know.

Much Love,

Natalie

2nd Chemo Treatment

Beto had his 2nd chemo treatment yesterday. I am happy to report that so far, he has not gotten ill from this dosage. He has been out of bed today, but taking it easy. This is a much welcomed contrast to the last treatment he received. It feels as though life is still in slow motion right now as we get through these initial months, still trying to believe that this is really happening. As life continues to go on around you, sometimes you feel pretty paralyzed and stagnant in the mists of all of this, but everyone is doing well and keeping high hopes. Please continue to pray for Beto, the treatment process and its effectiveness. Beto was telling me last night how difficult it was to sit next to small children, with bald heads like his, getting their chemo, while singing their encouraging Sunday school songs not fully knowing the realm of what was happening to them. I can not get this heartbreaking image out of my head, showing us all how far reaching and evil this disease is, while reminding us how innocent and encouraging the spirit of a child can be. Beto said that listening to this little girl sing made him feel better and more relaxed. I loved this story, as he was so moved by this brave little girl!
I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Much Love,

Natalie

CHANGE to Fundraiser Tickets

Good Morning,

I wanted to let you all know that we ARE going to have actual tickets for the fundraiser now. You will just pick them up at the door so you do not have to worry about getting them before the event. Each ticket will give you 2 glasses of wine at the event, so we thought doing actual tickets would be easier. Just wanted to let you all know about that change. 

Beto is getting his 2nd dose of chemo as we speak so please keep him in your thoughts today. Thank you! If you have any questions about the event, please let me know.

Much Love,

Natalie

Purchasing Fundraiser Tickets

I created a link on the blog for you all to purchase your fundraiser tickets online. All the proceeds go into the same account as donations and will be used for treatment. Once you purchase your ticket, an email with your name is sent to me via paypal. Do not worry about having a tangible ticket to bring to the event. I will have a list at the door of those who purchased their tickets online and tickets will be available at the door as well.

It is going to be a wonderful evening so I hope you all come!

Galeria Pergola

Inside the Instituto Allende
Ancha De San Antonio 20
San Miguel De Allende, GTO Mexico 37700
T: 011 52 (415) 154 5595
T: (214) 245 4902
F: (214) 774 4512

More details to come...

Natalie

The Beto Martinez Medical Fundraiser September 24th, 2009

Good Morning,

I wanted to give everyone the information on the fundraiser and silent auction being held for Beto on September 24th, 2009 at the Galeria Pergula. We are still accepting donations from local businesses and artists for auction items if you or anyone you know is interested in donating something. We will start selling tickets on the blog for the event this week. I will let you know when they become available and you will be able to purchase them through paypal on the blog.

Galeria Pergola
Inside the Instituto Allende

Ancha De San Antonio 20

San Miguel De Allende, GTO Mexico 37700

T: 011 52 (415) 154 5595

T: (214) 245 4902

F: (214) 774 4512

Beto is doing well and will go get another blood test tomorrow followed by a 7 hour chemo treatment on Friday. Please pray that he has a better couple of days after chemo this time. As always, please contact me with any questions.

Much Love,

Natalie

Ty and I returned from San Miguel last night. We had a wonderful trip and it was very difficult to leave. Beto has started loosing his hair due to the chemo, but other than that, looks like Beto :) Here are a couple of photos. One of Beto and Uva and the other of Ty and Beto walking through the rain. Beto has a doctor's appointment on Wednesday and I will update with more information as we receive it. I hope everyone is doing well! We will be having the fundraiser September 24th in San Miguel. I am so excited about the silent auction and am grateful to all of those wonderful artists who have donated some amazing pieces. Thank you!

Much Love,

Natalie

Wednesday

Good Morning,

I just wanted to let everyone know that Beto received his new blood panel yesterday and his white blood cell count has gone down! I do not have the file in front of me to tell you the exact numbers, but this is a sign that the first chemo treatment was helpful! I am so excited to share this news! Thank you all, as this is a testament to all your donations and prayers! I have taken some wonderful photos and will post them tomorrow or this evening. We are having a wonderful visit and it will be very difficult to leave, but I must say that I am pleasantly surprised to see that Beto looks as good as he does. It is strange for us to see him move slowly with a cain, but he is doing so well. We just have to make sure he does not overdue it :) No climbing mountains right now :) Again, thank you all for your letters. He loved reading them and continues to look through them daily. They are very encouraging! More to come...

Much Love,

Natalie

Monday

I apologize for not writing more sooner. I just arrived to San Miguel today. Beto and my mother picked Ty and I up from the airport. Beto looked really good considering. He has to wear a brace for his back and is walking with a cane, but still had that wonderful warm smile that we all love. He has lost a lot of weight, but that is to be expected. I can't thank you all enough for all your cards. I gave them to him this evening and he really enjoyed hearing from all of you. He goes for a blood test in the morning and I will have lots to report I imagine after this week.

Thank you all for the prayers and sweet emails.

Much Love,

Natalie

Thursday

Good Morning,

I hope everyone is doing well! I wanted to give you all an update on Beto. I received this update from my mother this morning and thought I would just post it in her words. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

"Betto has been very sick from the Chemotherapy since Sunday. It has been four difficult days. We were told we would have an appointment in Leon this week to see if we would receive the government help, but have not heard from them. He would not have been able to go anyway. Life just seems to be on hold. He is eating, and he wants ketchup on everything. He has not eaten ketchup on anything before now. The nausea has been the worst, however the biggest problem is that he basically can't move which is incredibly hard for an athletic. I do want to be sure everyone knows Bici-Burro bike shop is still open. Betto's sisters are helping out and his amazing nephew Daniel is there on the week-ends as he is now in college in Guanajuato."

Much Love,

Natalie

Sunday

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Beto is having a rough day as I think the effects of the chemo have caught up to him. I was really hoping to postpone this as long as possible, but unfortunately he is feeling it. Please pray that the government program accepts Beto and they can save some money on the treatment. Right now, they would not be able to complete the therapy needed. With acceptance into this program, they would have to travel to Leon for treatment, but the cost would be slightly lower. Getting accepted into this program has been very difficult. Beto had to go to 2 long and grilling interviews yesterday and has another interview (hopefully the last) in Leon this week. It is very bureaucratic. Let's think positive thoughts about his mental and physical condition and acceptance into the program. 

Much Love,

Natalie

Friday

Good Morning!

Beto completed his first day of chemo yesterday and is feeling really well! He and my mother both agreed that the anticipation was the worst and once they arrived at the "blood bank", everyone was very kind and the facility was extremely comfortable.  They completed 5 hours yesterday and are doing 5 hours today. The doctor said that it is not uncommon for patients to still feel "good" after the first 2 doses, but if you can keep that going after the 3rd, that is a good sign. Let's hope for that!! I was so glad to hear that they had a rather pleasant experience yesterday. They could not say enough good things about the staff and facility itself. What a blessing!!!!!! 

Beto will stop and meet with Dr. Malo, I know, what a name for a doctor, and get an X-ray today of his back to make sure that it is healing correctly from the surgery and then go to chemo. Thank you, thank you, thank you for making this possible. You are all amazing and should know that each and every one of you are my HERO! 

More to come...

Much Love,

Natalie

Good Morning!

Beto and my mother left at 11 am to drive to Queretaro for the first chemo treatment. It begins at 3 pm and will last for 5 hours. They are coming home tonight to get some rest and will return tomorrow for the second half of today's treatment at 11 am again. They wanted to split up the initial treatment, as they thought it may be too much at once (time wise) to do it in one day. Please pray that the chemo does not make Beto too sick and that his body receives it well. I will let you all know as soon as I hear form them.

Much Love,

Natalie

Chemotherapy

I am extremely happy to say that Beto will start chemo around 3pm on Thursday in Queretaro. San Luis Potosi did not work out, as they could not accommodate Beto for another month, and waiting that long is not an option. They will start the chemo in Queretaro and possibly continue in Leon if they are eligible for the government price break program which would save $8,000 total in the end. They want to administer the chemo in three week intervals (around 21-30 days) apart. Next week he will have a follow up with the surgeon just to see how the healing is coming with the surgery. 

Please continue to pray that his body takes to the therapy. Thank you all for your continued support.

Much Love,

Natalie

Saturday Morning #2

Beto and my mother drove to Mexico City yesterday to meet regarding the chemotherapy treatment. They decided they will administer the chemo in San Luis Potosi. They will begin as planned this week, Monday most likely. The cost MAY be lower is San Luis, allowing Beto to possibly receive more treatments (maybe 1 to 2 more) with the donations than he would in Queretaro if they offer the price break. We currently have enough funds for 5 to 6 treatments and he needs 8 to 9. 

Please feel free to email or call Beto, as he needs the encouragement right now.  They will be home all weekend preparing for next week. 

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend.

Much Love,

Natalie

Saturday

Good Morning,

I am really excited to let you all know that two merchants in particular have offered to donate 10% of their sales for a period of time, in their store and online, to Beto! 

Beto and my mother's dear friend Rachael Daniel hand makes children's clothing. Her website is www.hyenacart.com/mainstreet. Once you get to the site you click on MY HATTY. Her things are adorable! 

Rachel Horn Interiors, located in Aurora, is donating items for the silent auction in September as well as 10% of sales. Her website is www.rachelhorn.com. Her beautiful world interiors are fabulous!

Thank you so much to Rachael and and Rachel for doing this for Beto!

Wednesday

Good Morning,

I wanted to let everyone know that the fundraiser will be in September as opposed to August 19th. We have had an overwhelming response from artists and local businesses who want to be involved and there needs to be more time for planning. I will let you all know when a date has been set. The fundraiser and silent auction will still be help at the Galeria Pergola. I am really excited about this and think it will be a wonderful evening! Thank you all for your interest and support in getting it together.

Beto had a difficult day yesterday. I think the shock begins to wear off and reality of the situation sets in and starts to fester with sadness a bit. Please feel free to give him a call or send him emails, as he needs encouraging words right now to keep his spirits high, especially as he approaches next week. mailto:beto@bici-burro.com

Meals is something that I need some help with. If anyone has ideas of places in SMA that deliver good food will you email me the name and contact info if you have it. Thank you!

Beto is so blessed to have such wonderful friends and I thank you again and again for that!

Much Love,
Natalie

Monday

Hi there,
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Many of you have asked about the art auction fundraiser. They are working hard on getting it together and as soon as I have the details, I will for sure let you know. Beto and my mother have been getting the paperwork together for the chemo, it is quite extensive, and are hoping for a start date of Monday now. The doctor feels that this will give enough healing time between the surgery and the first treatment. That is great news! Hopefully, if all goes as planned, they will be able to get the chemotherapy administered in Queretaro and not have to drive to Mexico City, which would be such a blessing. Beto went for a short walk yesterday which was huge! It was really good for him. I continue to get wonderful emails from all of you. Thank you. I will give you all more info. as I get it :)

Much Love,

Natalie

Saturday!

Our prayers have been answered! The PET scan revealed that the cancer has not spread! We are so thrilled. The cancer remains "active", but confined to the original area. The doctor wants to wait a few days to start the chemo due to Beto's slow recovery from the spinal surgery, but we are ready to begin. He will need 8 treatments total. Beto and mom will decide this weekend whether to receive the treatment in Mexico City or Queretaro. There are pro's and con's to each. I can't thank you enough for making this possible. I wish I could hug and thank each and every one of you personally for hours! This is such fabulous news. We know it is a long road ahead, but this is a good way to start it and STARTING IT is possible because of all of you.

Thank you and God bless all of you!!!

Much Love,

Natalie

P.S. I am in the mountains and do not have the best reception this weekend, so I am sorry if I am delayed in answering emails.

Good evening! 

I hope everyone is having a great week. Today my mother and Beto drove to Queretaro for the heart test, which went fine. It was a short test and they were able to get home before comida. I will be traveling over the weekend, but will for sure post results from the Saturday appointment as soon as I get word. Saturday is a big day! For better or worse, I do not have a ton of updates today. It was an afternoon of rest and visitors for Beto. Spirits remain high, as I know all of your emails and calls keep him uplifted. Thank you for that! Please pray for Saturday, as we need to start this treatment process. If you do not hear form me tomorrow, it is because I could not get Internet access. I will be in the mountains and am unsure about service. Otherwise, I will post Saturday without a doubt! 

Much Love,

Natalie

The Beto Martinez Fundraiser

I wanted to let you all know that we are having a fundraiser for Beto on Wednesday, August 19 at the Galeria Pergola. Many prominent artists are donating their work for a silent auction, as well as other items and services from local merchants. All proceeds with go to Beto's treatment. My husband and I will be in town for the event so I hope to meet a lot of you then! It will be a beautiful evening to come together, celebrate and raise money for a wonderful life! Thank you to Patti Bess for working so hard on getting this together and also to the Galeria Pergola for being such generous hosts. If any of you have questions about the fundraiser, just send me an email. 

No new information today on Beto. We are still keeping with the plan from yesterday for a Saturday chemotherapy start date. I hope you all are having a wonderful week. Thank you all for everything!

Much Love,

Natalie

Galeria Pergola

Inside the Instituto Allende
Ancha De San Antonio 20
San Miguel De Allende, GTO
Mexico 37700
T: 011 52 (415) 154 5595
T: (214) 245 4902
F: (214) 774 4512

I thought this was a great photo that Beto took in the countryside!

 

Well, some small changes. The cardiologist appointment was moved to Wednesday, because the machine they needed to use is not available in San Miguel, so they will have to go to Qeretaro for the heart test. The hematologist can not begin chemotherapy without this heart test, to ensure the heart is strong enough to start on Saturday, so that appointment was moved to Friday. Someone came to the house and collected blood to get that started for the Friday appointment, so we should be back on track after Friday. The hematologist said that once the heart test clears him, he will begin chemo Saturday morning! I am very excited for this and just hope that Beto takes the treatment well and his body is accepting. I feel like we have all come such a long way from last week, wow! It is exhausting to think about it and I am sure you all feel the same way :) We have all been going through this together and I thank you for being there for Beto, My mom and even me in many ways. I love getting email from all of you! This is where we stand as of now. I will fill you all in if anything changes, but let's pray for Saturday! 

Much Love,

Natalie

Good evening,

I just got off the phone with Beto and he sounded really good. We were laughing about his future nieto that is due in December and talking about this upcoming week, and how it will be difficult, but so important. With that being said, we spoke about how next week is possible because of all of your prayers and donations and how thankful we all are for that! He will go to the cardiologist tomorrow for some heart tests, but will be able to do that in San Miguel and not have to travel.  Thank you again for all your thoughts, encouraging emails and calls. More to come...

Much Love,

Natalie

I thought I would include a photo of our trusty buddy Robino tonight :) Beto and my mom returned from Qeuretaro this afternoon. Beto had the bone marrow biopsy and is resting well. The doctor said that if he found cancer in the bone marrow, he would call and if no cancer was found in the marrow, they would not hear from him tonight. So far, no call from the doctor!!!!!! This is wonderful! They will See him again Wednesday to go over the tests from Mexico City and determine the exact day for treatment, hopefully the same day. This is all I have for now, but wanted to share with everyone the good news from today! Thank you all for your continued support and kind emails. I know I keep saying this, but Beto and my mother have incredible friends.

Much love to you all,

Natalie

I wanted to give you all an update for the day. Beto has been resting well all day and had some wonderful visitors. They will see the hematologist tomorrow in Queretaro for a bone marrow biopsy and then back to the hematologist probably Wednesday when the test results from Mexico City (telling us where the cancer has spread) will be available. The hematologist will know more about the exact day to start chemo after their follow-up appointment on Wednesday, but they are thinking for sure next week. Tomorrow is just for the bone marrow test. Please pray that Beto's body is strong and had progress healing from the surgery so they can start chemo Wednesday.

I want to thank everyone for making this chemo next week possible. Without all of you it would not be. You are truly an amazing group of people and the reason this treatment is happening. Thank you does not even begin to cover it. I wish there was something I could do for each and every one of you. That is all I have for now, but will post after the appointment tomorrow.

God Bless,

Natalie

Thank you!

I wanted to thank you for the emails today. I have forwarded them on to Beto so he can feel encouraged. I spoke with him on his way back from Mexico City and he sounded good! He is very moved by all of your support. They will have the test results in 48 hours, thus causing the doctor to re-schedule his appointment to Wednesday. Please pray that the tests show that the cancer has not spread and is isolated. Thank you all for a wonderful day!

Natalie

Good Morning!

Beto and my mom are currently at the doctor getting the tests done, which will reveal where the cancer has spread in the body. I will let you all know as soon as I hear anything.

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone, as I have received such an amazing response. Beto has wonderful friends and I know he loves you all dearly, as I hear about many of you often! I thought that it was important that you all knew what we are trying to raise for the chemotherapy. The hematologist gave us the number $100,000 for getting through the treatment plan. I am absolutely thrilled to say that we have raised $11,200 thus far! One donation was $10,000 which is incredible!! Thank you so very much to this dear friend. I know that most of us are feeling some sort of cruch financially during these times, so it really means a lot. The prayers are just as important so thank you for all of the lovely emails expressing your thoughts.

Thank you all,

Natalie
970.443.7840
natalie123@mac.com

HOW TO DONATE

We currently have a private account set up for Beto if you would like to mail in a check. Please make checks payable to The 'Beto" Martinez Medical Fund PO BOX 1 Corona, NM 88318.

I will keep you updated on other ways to donate as they become available.

Again, if you have questions regarding these donations, please call and I will be happy to give you information about the bank and the donation process.

Natalie

natalie123@mac.com

Day 3

Who is Natalie Smith... I wanted to clear up who I was, as many of you have asked. I am Anita Middleton's daughter. Beto is my step-father and good friend. I thank you all for your speedy responses and prayers for Beto thus far. They are on their way to Mexico City for the test that will let us know exactly where the cancer has spread in the body.  I will post an update as soon as I have one. As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Natalie

natalie123@mac.com

970.443.7840

Day 2

Beto and my mother went to the specialist today and were told the news that the cancer has reached stage 4 and chemotherapy is needed immediately. They would like to wait a few days to start in order to give him the opportunity to heal a bit more from the spinal surgery. Please pray for a speedy recovery from the surgery so 'Beto' can receive the chemo as soon as possible. He and my mother are traveling to Mexico City tomorrow for extended testing that will show where and to what other parts of the body the cancer has spread. Please pray for good news on this report as well and for safe travels. 

Natalie

The First Day

Today I started the 'Beto' Martinez Medical Fund. The Fund was created to give financial support to 'Beto' in his fight against Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Beto is my step-father and married to my mother, Anita Middleton. I am overwhelmingly moved by the support, thoughts and prayers that have already come in. I am so thankful for those who helped me get the fund off the ground. Thank you to Janet Kafka, Donna Brenner Bando, and Z for making all this possible. I hope you all check back with us often to see how your donations are helping Beto live and fight this battle. I will be updating weekly (if not more often) to let you all know exactly what your donations are helping with that month. 

HOW TO DONATE:

You can donate online through the website or by phone at 970.443.7840

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about your donations. I am happy to help! Please spread the word.

ABOUT BETO:

Alberto Martinez is 46 years young. He is a strong mountain biking professional and loves the mountains, hiking and sharing his knowledge of the culture and history of the area on the famous tours he gives his clients. He loves the land and respects the planet and all its inhabitants large and small.

Beto is a wonderful son who provides for his Mother and Father. He is an uncle that teaches his nieces and nephews as if they were his own about biking, the environment, working hard, and the importance of giving back and generosity.

He loves all people and helps the poor and underprivileged, always offering a helping hand when needed and donating his time and knowledge to children and archaeological groups. A true humanitarian, Beto needs our help now. Please give to the ‘Beto’ Martinez Medical Fund and help save a wonderful life.

God Bless you all.

Natalie