Two years ago, Joanie Heidrick’s teenage granddaughter Greta became very ill while on a trip to Spain. She, along with her parents, were quickly flown back to New York to begin her treatments for leukemia. Her hospital room at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center became her home away from home.
Joanie frequently would send beaded friendship bracelets to Greta. Last year, while talking with Vanessa McQueen at the front desk, Joanie felt a soft tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Clint Martin, Southminster security guard, behind her.
“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop,“ Clint said, “but I overheard your conversation with Vanessa about your granddaughter. I spent three years during my early 20s hospitalized while fighting leukemia, and look at me now at 60. I would be glad to talk to Greta or you any time because I understand what you are going through.”
Joanie sent a photo of Clint and herself to Greta, which was the beginning of a special long-distance friendship between the two.
Last July Greta’s cell count was normal enabling her – along with her parents and their puppy Waffles – to come to see Joanie. When they arrived at Southminster, Greta rushed into the lobby in search of Clint. A strong bond between Clint and the entire family was immediate.
“Clint and Greta continue to communicate through me,” Joanie explains, “and Clint has made an enormous impact on Greta as she journeys through her countless medical therapies.”
When Greta was first diagnosed, the hospital provided teachers on staff to help her. But this fall when her cell count is normal, Greta has been able to attend a boarding school nearby.
“Greta continues her battle of up and down treatments,” Joanie says, “and Clint never fails to check on her. Every time I see him he stops, gives me a hug, and says ‘How’s our girl’. And Greta says to me, ‘tell Clint I’m fighting and getting better’.”
Joanie adds, “Clint continues to be such an inspiration, so when you see him around and about, be sure to give him a big handshake or a well-deserved hug! We are so blessed to have Clint caring for all of us in so many ways.” ###