Izzy Martin was a Company Member at Dance Industry Performing Arts Center and a student at The Episcopal School of Dallas.
On February 13th, 2020, 10-year-old Izzy collapsed while rehearsing;
her femur had broken beneath her.
A few hours & multiple scans later, the worst would be confirmed;
Izzy was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.
Izzy's treatment included multiple rounds of chemotherapy and surgery to remove her entire femur and replace it with a prosthetic.
Izzy's family describes her as their "ferocious one". facing each obstacle with a brave heart, determined to overcome it and return to dancing.
In November of 2020, Izzy rang the bell, believing she was over the hard part.
In February of 2021, Izzy and her family started the #TeamIzzy Osteosarcoma Science Fund with the Osteosarcoma Institute.
Izzy believed that the more we learn about this type of cancer, the more hope kids like her can have.
In March of 2021, Izzy learned her cancer had returned, this time in her jaw.
She once again faced multiple rounds of chemo and radiation, as well as very intricate surgery to remove half of her jaw. Izzy continued to amaze her medical team with her wit and determination to keep going. She endured more chemotherapy, radiation and multiple trials in whatever attempt she could to slow down this horrible cancer.
Over the course of two and half years, Izzy has managed to raise over $500,000 for cancer research, believing that her story, her journey was bigger than just her.
On July 29th 2022, Izzy passed away, surrounded by her family.
Her story will continue to be told in the hope that more research can be done, to help kids like her live long full lives.