Former NFL Star Walks Coast-to-Coast For 9/11 Responders

[Willowdared]

HUNDREDS GREET NFL STAR AS HE COMPLETES 9-11 WALK

http://www.cbs8.com/stories/story.132091.html
San Diego, CA
06-22-08 at 11:34AM

Former professional football player George Martin
completed a 3,003-mile cross-country walk Saturday in Embarcadero Marina Park. The walk raised money for emergency workers who've suffered health problems since responding to the site of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Martin, 55, raised $2 million and a matching amount of medical services in the walk that ended at Embarcadero Marina Park. The former defensive lineman for the New York Giants began his journey last September 16.

A recent study showed that nearly 70 percent of more than 40,000 emergency workers who went to the rubble of the World Trade Center are suffering from lung disease or other health problems, and that 20 percent have diminished lung capacity. One in eight have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

More than 200 people greeted Martin as he finished his final 4.5-mile leg, including firefighters from New York City, said Jay Winuk, who publicized the walk.

Members of Martin's family and several rookies from the San Diego Chargers were on hand to greet the retired 14-year NFL veteran.

Martin averaged 22 miles per day and missed none due to illness, injury or fatigue, Winuk said. Fourteen days were lost to inclement weather.

He also went through 24 pairs of shoes and 80 pairs of socks, Winuk said.

Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and Hackensack University Medical Center combined to match the funds raised by Martin's walk.

[10-42Adam]

Awesome story!

[Wolven]

Bravo!