Med student survives 6 brain surgeries to become doctor

If you ask a little kid what they want to be when they grow up, the answer you are most likely to hear is a doctor. You might be laughing right now because you recall the time you dreamed of becoming one, too. However, as time passes by, only a few really fulfill their childhood wish and pursue a career in the medical field. 

Claudia Martinez is one of them. Saving other people’s lives was something she always wanted to do, and she went for it. But things took the wrong turn for this lady when she started experiencing severe headaches and consciousness while at college. 

Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, a condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal cord and can cause paralyzes.   

“When I got my diagnosis, I was sent to a neurosurgeon,” Martinez said. “He told me that I needed brain surgery as soon as possible. If not, I was going to be paralyzed from the neck down. And so within a week I was undergoing my first brain surgery.”

This all came like a real shock, but it didn’t break Martinez’s spirit. Despite her condition, she graduated from college with a 4.0 GPA and got accepted at the UTHealth McGovern Medical School where she was treated. 

“Since I was first diagnosed, I’ve had six major brain surgeries,” she said.

“I thought I’d have one surgery. I knew my life would be a little different, but I thought I would have this surgery and go on to med school. And that would kind of be the end of my story. But it’s been quite the opposite of that.”

In her third year of studies, Martinez had her sixth and last surgery during which she had a stroke. That left her unable to function from the neck down. 

“I had to relearn how to do absolutely everything,” said Martinez. “My mom had to shower me, dress me.”

This brave lady continued her rehabilitation at the TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehab Hospital where she learned how to walk again through the use of Exoskeleton. Throughout her ordeal, she never lost the desire of finishing her studies and becoming a doctor. Martinez is currently in her final year and is set to graduate in 2020. 

Martinez’s story is incredible. Her case was referred to as a miracle. If you want to see her whole story, check the video below.  

Dog Given 8 Weeks to Live Hangs On for Months to See His Dad for the Last Time

“Dogs are the only creatures on earth that love you more than they love themselves” is a saying that proved to be true many times. These amazing animals are gentle, loyal, and love their humans more than their barking and licking can say. 

Having a dog by your side means having a friend for life. The sad reality is, however, that the life span of our furry buddies is shorter than ours’ and there comes a time when we have to say that one last goodbye. If you have never gone through the pain of losing a pet, you can’t possibly know how painful that experience might be. 

Kermie was a loving dog who was diagnosed with cancer only a month after her human daddy Eric was deployed for eight months. The veterinarians gave Kermie only two to three months to live, but she wouldn’t leave the world without seeing her human for one last time. 

This is what Eric’s wife had to say of their sweet pet.

“We were devastated, to say the least. Kermie was our first child, and we did not think Eric would ever get to see her again.”

“Kermie continued to do okay for several months, surpassing the vet’s estimate for survival. As the end of the deployment drew nearer, hopes for a never-expected reunion began to creep into our minds. However, the tumor in her mouth was making it increasingly more difficult for her to eat and drink.”

“November, homecoming month, was very stressful. We truly did not know if she would make it until Eric returned. The boys and I were doing everything we could to ensure she took her medication and kept her weight up. I was making her home-cooked meals, and at times, hand-feeding her. “

“Twelve days before Eric was due home, we received crushing news – the deployment was being extended indefinitely. I just KNEW Kermie would not make it until Christmas.”

“She hung on.”

“A few days before Christmas, after 9 long months, we received the best gift. It is all any of us wanted for Christmas.”

Seeing Eric was all Kermie needed in order for her strength to get back. She started eating and drinking without struggle. But only a few months after she celebrated her 12th birthday, Kermie had to be put down because her tumor made her life very difficult and miserable. 

Her family misses her dearly and will never forget all the joys Kermie brought in their life. However, they know she’s now at a better place. 

Along with the heartwarming video of the reunion, the family shared a quote from Dr. Seuss that goes, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

K-9 Was Shot While on the Job – His Reaction Is Priceless When the Officer Comes to Visit

In the fight against criminals, K-9 units play very important role. The officers along with their four-legged highly-trained canines make sure the law is respected and everyone stays safe and sound. The intelligent dogs who have strong sense of smell help in pursuing fugitives, searching for missing persons, and detecting narcotics or weapons.

Back in March 2018, officer R.J. Young and Bruno, a K-9 German Shepherd, were on the job when the canine got shot in the face by a suspect he was trying to reach. 

The brave dog risked his own life in order to prevent anyone around him getting hurt. His injuries were pretty severe and he had to undergo two surgeries. A bullet was lodged into his chest, but luckily, it missed his heart. 

Bruno’s recovery was intense, but he pulled through and was ready to say goodbye to his professional career as an officer. His fellow friend, officer Young, visited Bruno at the hospital for the first time after the incident took place and their reunion was caught on tape. We have to admit that we couldn’t help but shed some tears of joy for these two. 

The best part of all is that now Bruno is officially adopted by officer Young’s family. They all love him so much and know he simply belongs there, near his friend’s side. 

Officer Young said, “He’s like a son to me. Bruno will be with me for the rest of my life.”

Stray Dog Steals a Slice of Pizza and Leads to Homeless Puppies’ Rescue

Usually, when something is taken from us, we tend to react in an angry manner. Luckily, the workers who were on their lunch break when a stray dog approached and stole a slice of the mouth-watering pepperoni pizza didn’t get mad. On the contrary, they could see from the way she looked that the poor soul was starving. 

However, this kind workers knew a small portion of their lunch wouldn’t be enough food for the malnourished ‘thief’ so they decided to call the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA and ask whether they could step in and help. 

When the rescuers arrived at the scene, they stumbled upon an incredible discovery. It turned out the dog didn’t take the food for herself. She had someone to feed, and she would do anything to do so. 

The dog, now named Queen Elizabeth, was a mother of six precious puppies. Unfortunately, when they were first spotted that day, they were all near starvation. 

the Peninsula Humane Society said, “This poor little dog was struggling to survive on her own, eating whatever scraps of food she could find and trying to take care of her babies.” 

To see what happened to this family of seven take a look at their story in the video below. 

Amazon Tribe Wins Lawsuit Against Oil Company To Save Half A Million Of Acres Of Rainforest

The planet, our shared home, is facing real crisis as the global warming starts taking its toll. The long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s climate system leads to heat waves, sea-level rise, flooding, melting glaciers, earlier spring arrival, coral reef bleaching, and the spread of diseases. 

The rainforests prevent all this by storing the Earth’s rainwater and releasing it back into the atmosphere. 

The fact that the rainforests are in danger of being destroyed for the sake of the profit of the oil companies should be enough concern for all of us to take action. 

An Indigenous tribe of people called the Waorani, native of the Ecuadorian Amazon made history when they won a lawsuit that protected more than half a million acres of forest land from being mined for oil drilling.

The Ecuadorian government planned on drilling for oil over an area that spanned seven million acres of rinforest. The Waorani stood for their home and got the support of famous names who are fighting for our planet, among which Leonardo DiCaprio. Before the huge landmark victory for the rainforest, the actor Twitted:

“The Waorani people are one day away from saving half-a-million acres of forest from oil drilling. Watch the video and send a message to Ecuador’s government: protect indigenous rights & the Amazon.”

Oswando Nenquimo, a spokesperson for the Waorani of Pastaza released a statement saying: 

“Today we have protected our forest from oil drilling; we have protected our water from contamination; we have protected our children from sickness. This is a legal precedent for indigenous rights.”

“But the fight is far from over. The government will appeal because they still want the oil beneath our land. Indigenous Nations across the Amazon and the world must band together to protect our homes.”

This story and what the tribe achieved gives humanity a sparkle of hope that things for our planet could still turn for the better. What we should all do is try to keep it as clean as possible and fight for the raisnforests. 

Gary Sinise Surprised 1,000 Children Of Fallen U.S. Soldiers With A Trip Of A Lifetime

Known for his roles in Forrest Gump, Apolo 13, CSI: NY, and many more, it looks like Gary Sinise gave a lot to the public throughout the years. However, his best role is that of an incredible real-life humanitarian whose foundation has helped hundreds of families of fallen soldiers and military members. 

Last year, the Gary Sinise Foundation flew around 1,700 people, including 1,000 children of soldiers who lost their life fighting for our country to an unforgettable trip to the magic land of Disney in Orlando, Florida.

The surprise trip was part of the program dubbed “Snowball Express” and involved 15 private planes. The children were able to enjoy the all expenses paid trip around the Holiday season. 

The Snowball Express became part of the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2017. “We are committed to maintaining the wonderful traditions while finding new and exciting ways to serve our families of the fallen,” says the foundation.

“Each one of these children who are going on these airplanes have lost a parent in military services,” said Sinise. “…Either combat related or illness or unfortunately suicide sometimes. We wanna take care of these kids and make sure they know we don’t forget.”

What this man does for these families is simply incredible. Being a veteran himself, he knows what it takes to be part of the military and to put your life on the line every single day although you know your children, parents, spouse, are praying for you and waiting for you to come home safe and sound. 

Jen Tringle witnessed the incredible moment the children who were taking the trip were greeted by the staff and the people present at the Nashville airport with an emotional rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Along with the video, she wrote. “Most every person standing around, myself included was bawling at the sight of these kids and spouses who have paid so great a price for our country. To see all of this at Christmas time was so humbling,” she said. 

Sinise’s devotion is amazing and deserves our respect. You are an incredible man,  Lieutenant Dan!

Loyal Dog Mourns His Caregiver By Sitting Vigil Outside His Office

A person named Demafelix shared a heartbreaking story about Buboy, the dog that refused to let go of the person who fed him and gave him love. 

Buboy was spotted standing in front of the faculty office at Mabalacat City College in Pampanga, Philippines. He even tried scratching the door, obviously trying to get the so much anticipated belly rubs from his favorite human. The staff at the faculty described this as the most touching scene they’ve ever witnessed because they knew the person Buboy was looking for will never arrive. 

Marcelo, the professor who took care of the stray pup passed away. He was described by his colleagues as a kind-hearted man who offered help to everyone in need and would often stop by at the faculty even if he didn’t have lessons only to feed Buboy. 

“[He] considered you family,” Demafelix wrote in a Facebook post. “When he has no classes, sir will go to school to look at you and give you food.”

“You can’t express all the pain because you don’t know what happened,” Demafelix added “Suddenly he didn’t go to school but still you are waiting outside the faculty [room] where you are always waiting for him, you are always waiting for his arrival.”

Knowing how much the professor cared for the dog who was now confused and left wondering where his friend was, Demafelix decided to take Buboy to Marcelo’s wake and let him say the final goodbye. 

Buboy was now at ease that he could see his human once again and everyone got emotional when they realized the loving creature refused to leave the coffin’s side. 

The school and the rest of the professors are now taking care of Buboy and make sure he is well fed and given the love he deserves. They do it as a tribute to Marcelo.

Enormous humpback whale leaps out of the sea right behind a fishing boat

Nature never fails to amaze us and take our breath away. All those mesmerizing creatures that we get to share this world with only add to the beauty of our planet, and having close encounters with some of the wild and giant beasts is something we all want to experience. 

Recently, whale watchers Douglas Croft and Kate Cummings took a video of one of the most fascinating scenes when it comes to men and nature.  During their stay at Monterey Bay, California, they witnessed a Humpback whale leaping out of the water. The best thing of all was that the giant creature decided to get some fresh air right behind a small fishing boat, and it really showed how huge these wales really are compared to a fisherman and his vessel. 

Although the place where the video was taken is known as one of the most popular whale-watching spots, no one really expected for such a close encounter to take place. 

We believe the person on the boat was as surprised as Croft and Cummings. 

Compared to the whale, the boat named Baja Sueno looks like a toy. 

We don’t even want to imagine how the captain of that boat must have felt at the moment he realized a whale was getting out of the water so close to him. His feelings were probably a mixture of excitement and fear. 

The video is truly amazing and it makes us wish we were on that boat, looking at the magnificent whale having fun right before our eyes. 

That had to be a huge and loud splash, don’t you think so? Luckily, it didn’t harm the captain of the boat. 

Speaking of that day, Croft told Uniland how there were hundreds od boats there, and before getting out of the water completely, this particular whale was enjoying in front of the curious eyes staring at him. 

“That the breach was directly behind the fishing boat really shows the size. Since the boat is closer, it should look bigger, but the whale is huge! If I’d been the fisherman, I’d probably need some new underwear.”

Cummings said that if a whale breaches once, they are likely to it multiple times. 

“I figured the next breach would be around the fisherman because the whale was heading that way and sure enough! Though I didn’t expect the whale and the boat to line up so perfectly.”

Take a look at the incredible encounter in the video below. Isn’t this whale impressive?