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Houston family who lost mom to May derecho storm receives ‘Christmas Miracle’ from Spencer Solves It team

It’s ‘Christmas Miracles’ week at KPRC 2. For nine years, Bill Spencer and the Spencer Solves It team have specialized in fulfilling the Christmas dreams of local children in need. Bill and his team are transforming Christmas for five families who couldn’t afford to give their children anything this year.

Sudden loss leaves father raising small children alone

In a heartwarming scene at a Houston area park, Isaac Martinez pushes his one-year-old son, Myles, on the swings, surrounded by his four young sons. The laughter and playfulness are a welcome distraction from the most devastating day of their lives.

This past May, a powerful storm known as a derecho swept through Houston, bringing tornado-force winds, rain, and thunder. It was during this storm that Isaac’s wife, Christin, tragically lost her life. As the storm raged on, Christin ran to move her car to safer ground. In a cruel twist of fate, a massive tree fell on the car, taking her life instantly.

Isaac recalls the moment.

“I ran out and yelled for her, screaming, ‘Babe, talk to me.’ But it was too late,” he said.

The paramedics confirmed his worst fears: Christin had been crushed to death.

Since that tragic day, Isaac’s world has been turned upside down.

“My wife was my world,” he shares, his emotion-filled voice.

The loss has been a monumental struggle for Isaac and his sons—Myles, six-year-old Anakin, eight-year-old Mason, and twelve-year-old Jack.

Financially, Isaac is stretched thin, working as a production assistant at a chemical plant while caring for his boys.

“I’m living paycheck to paycheck,” he explains. “Most of what I earn goes to my kids, bills, and gas.”

This Christmas, the Martinez family faced the prospect of having nothing under the tree.

“They need some type of joy, some type of happiness,” Isaac says, hoping to keep his wife’s memory alive in their hearts.

Enter the Spencer Solves It team, in partnership with Academy Sports and Outdoors and Laura Alexis of Innovative Lasers of Houston. Together, they brought a touch of Christmas magic to the Martinez family.

Laura Alexis presented Isaac with a $1,500 donation, ensuring he could buy presents for his children.

“That looks like a good Christmas to me,” Isaac said, his gratitude evident.

But the surprises didn’t stop there. The boys received brand new bicycles, specially chosen for each of them. Their excitement was palpable as they exclaimed, “What is it, what is it... WOOOAAAAAHHHHH!”

The final gift was a $1,000 gift card from Academy Sports and Outdoors, allowing the family to purchase toys, sporting goods, and more.

“Thank you, it means a lot to us,” Isaac expressed, overwhelmed by the generosity.

For the Martinez family, this Christmas will be one to remember, filled with joy and the spirit of giving, thanks to the kindness of strangers who turned their holiday season into a true miracle.

Do you need help this holiday season?

We know there are a lot of other people out there who need help. Bill and the team can’t help everyone. Nonprofit and community organizations are stepping up to help families in need with toy drives, food assistance, utility relief, and more. Bill and the team compiled a list of groups offering critical support to make the holidays brighter for everyone.

Check out this list of 25+ places where you can go for help this holiday season.


About the Author
Bill Spencer headshot

Emmy-winning investigative reporter, insanely competitive tennis player, skier, weightlifter, crazy rock & roll drummer (John Bonham is my hero). Husband to Veronica and loving cat father to Bella and Meemo.

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