Help For The Martins

On March 27, 2024 with all eight of the Martins in our showroom, W&L Subaru celebrated Gideon's 3rd birthday with balloons, cupcakes and a few gifts for the little warrior. Not only was it special day that dealership staff were thrilled to join the Martins for, but a fitting day to present the family with the funds collected from the test drive and cash donation fundraiser from earlier in the year. A total of $3,600 was raised through 350 test drives and a $100 anonymous cash donation. These donations not only mean the world to the Martins, but will be used to help with Gideon's care and treatments. This fundraising effort highlights the power of collective action and the positive impact it can make on one very special family.

When 2-year-old Gideon Martin had surgery and an overnight stay scheduled in October of 2023, no one could have known what was going to happen during the trip.

On the drive down the night before Gideon's surgery, the Martins were about a mile away from their hotel when the car began to make noise and shake. Ultimately the right, front tire completely came off. They were left stranded under a train tunnel in Philadelphia at 8:30 at night with a medically complex child. To say they were frightened was an understatement!

Thankfully PennDOT towed the Martin's car to a side street and a State Police Trooper gave them a ride to their hotel. Gideon's family, had reached out to W&L Subaru general manager Gregg Bassett, a close friend of the family to ask for prayers for Gideon's surgery and the uncertainty of an unexpected car crisis. Nothing could have prepared them for the generosity that followed. 

Gregg sent a message to the Martins the following morning letting them know that he had spoken with the owner, Andy Long, and that W&L Subaru was not only going to send a rollback to pick up their car but would also provide a courtesy vehicle so they wouldn't have to worry about how they were going to get home. He also informed them that W&L was doing this free of charge! 

In an instant the Martins felt that all of those concerns were covered, and a huge weight had been lifted. This meant that for the duration of the stay the Martins could focus solely on Gideon and his care needs and not the stress of the car situation. Gideon ended up having complications and a one-night hospital visit turned into a 7-week hospital stay. Again, this was completely unexpected, and Gideon's family thought surely they would now have some expenses for the added time. Gregg reassured them that everything was fine, and they could continue using the vehicle as long as they needed. The generous act of kindness from Gregg and W&L Subaru was a huge blessing to the Martin family and an answer to their prayers!