Baseball Mom Organizes to help Martins Family

Effort Organized to Help Chris Martins of East Providence

We’re sure you have read about East Providence High School sophomore baseball player Aidan Martins here in the EP Reporter and elsewhere. Martins is a key player in the Townies ascension to Division 1 action. Aidan has hit well, covered the vast centerfield position with cat-like quickness with a strong throwing arm. But this story is not about baseball – at least not directly.

Aidan lives in Riverside with his two brothers Ethan and Evan and their parents Chris and Tabatha Martins. The family has been active throughout East Providence and the East Bay. The boys are students in the East Providence public schools. On Wednesday night May 14th, the Townies baseball team had an epic 1-0 win over Moses Brown and Aidan scored the one run for EP. He also played his usual solid game in the field. After the game The Reporter talked with Aidan’s Dad, Chris, who is a veteran little league and travel team/Legion coach himself. Chris and Tabitha were excited about the upcoming league playoffs.

On Thursday Morning May 15th, Chris suffered an unexpected medical emergency at home. The young father and husband was rushed to the hospital. Still undergoing emergency treatment, he will need medical rehab care immediately following discharge. This has left him unable to work for an undetermined amount of time, and medical bills are just beginning. He will miss his son’s Townies in state playoffs, but obviously his health is foremost to family and friends. Aidan has rejoined his team and the 10th grader has a lot on his mind.

A long-time friend and fellow baseball mom, Gina Zambarano and others have stepped to the plate and organized a GoFundMe account to help the family with mounting expenses. “Both Chris and Tabitha have spent countless years helping other East Providence families, whether it be in the classroom, on the baseball field, organizing fundraisers, or anywhere else help has been needed,” said Zambarano. “If you're from East Providence, you know it is a tight-knit community. If you're from East Providence, you know Townies help each other. If you're from East Providence, you probably know Chris and Tabitha Martins (along with Ethan, Evan, and Aidan!),” writes Zambarano.

Lending his support to the fund-raising effort for his ball player is EP head coach Bobby Rodericks. “The Townies Baseball family would greatly appreciate help from anyone who would like to donate and help this family. Thank you,” said the coach.

The GoFundMe account can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-chris-martins-recovery-journey. Since posting the account, donations are starting to come in from all corners of East Providence. This effort is also planning a “dinner train” to help provide meals for the family. Zambarano said details will be forthcoming.

Baseball and community action has bonded Chris Martins to the community for years. For now, the health of this young Dad and husband is the priority for all who know him. “If you’re able, we hope you can help with a donation,” ask those trying to help.

(NOTE: GoFundMe accounts are very safe. Donations have a money-back donor protection guarantee of any amount for one full year. Accepted payments can be via PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay, Credit or debit)