Marty Vine. . . 1962 - 2012

Though he remained optimistic, and fought to the very end, Marty’s cancer proved unrelenting; it was more than his body could overcome, and the disease prevailed, as it too often does. The evening of November 18, with family by his side, Marty passed away peacefully.

Years ago, David Gates of the musical group Bread wrote lyrics to a song that many thought was a love song, but was actually written as a tribute to his father:

"Is there someone you know, you’re loving them so, but taking them all for granted? You may lose them one day, someone takes them away, and they don’t hear the words you long to say. . ."

Painful as it has been, and continues to be, we were given a gift in Marty's final months. We were able to take advantage of the opportunity to reconnect, to lend a hand, or otherwise touch his life. We had time to let him know how much he meant to us - how much he was loved.   

Marty fought his battle with courage, grace, and dignity, and he didn’t fight it alone. Besides the tender care provided by his family, many of you sent cards and letters in which you shared pleasant memories, funny stories, and encouraging thoughts. He very much appreciated your well wishes - he drew strength from them.  

I want to thank everyone who wrote a note; provided medical, palliative, or hospice care; engaged in the benefit held on Marty’s behalf; planted and harvested crops; prepared meals; or simply prayed for him. Your involvement provided comfort to both Marty and the family, and our gratitude for your kind attention goes beyond what words can express.

Carl Vine

MARTY VINE BENEFIT - THANK YOU

We want to thank those involved for the amazing benefit event held on August 18^th for our family. Your encouragement as we journey through Marty’s cancer treatments means so much to us!

Whether you helped organize the event (Dan McDaniel, Mark Lebeda, Crystal Vine), donated a prize for the auction, bought raffle tickets, bid on items at the auction, donated to the benefit account, set up tables, cooked/served food, made a dessert, promoted the event, volunteered your time to keep the it all running smoothly, or simply graced us with your presence that evening, your act of love and support did not go unnoticed. We are humbled by the generosity of those we know well and those who we did not even know who made such an effort on our behalf. 

We would also like to thank those who have been there for us over these last nine months since Marty’s diagnosis. We couldn’t begin to list the many friends and family who have offered help, meals, and most importantly, prayers which have sustained us and remind us how truly blessed we are! 

With love and gratitude,

Marty Vine and family

Marty Vine Benefit

Saturday Aug. 18, 2012

Center Point American Legion Hall

114 Main St. – Center Point, Ia

5-10 p.m.

Silent and Live Auction
(Visa, Mastercard, and Discover accepted) 

Serving walking tacos, pulled-pork sandwiches, salad, and desert.

Raffle of two half-hogs donated by Shulista Farms and processed by Walker Locker.

Cash donations may be made to: Marty Vine Benefit
c/o Center Point Bank & Trust, P.O. Box 255, Center Point, IA 52213
(319) 849-1838

Jan. 17, 2012 - Marty was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer.

Radiation and round-the-clock chemotherapy began on Jan. 23.

Mar. 30 - a scan showed the cancer had metastasized to his liver and lungs.

The cancer was now termed Stage 4, and aggressive.

On Apr. 6, a P.E.T. scan showed cancer in his bones. Marty’s chemotherapy treatment was revised, and he was given a second round of cancer fighting drugs.

May 14 - a new scan shows the tumors are shrinking!

July 16 - six months after the initial diagnosis, a new PET scan shows new areas of cancer, primarily in the bones. Marty's cancer is proving resistant to the current treatment, so the treatment regimen is again revised to include a monthly infusion that will help strenthen the bones. This is discouraging news, but the support and prayers of friends and family continue, as does Marty's will to carry on the fight.

A lifelong resident of the Center Point area, Marty farms, and has worked at Quaker Oats for 11 years.

Marty has been unable to work since early January; he and his wife Kim have three children.

Come out and help a wonderful family in need of a hand!

Proceeds of this benefit will be used to offset medical bills the Vine family has incurred because of this illness.

Benefit organized by Dan McDaniel with help from Crystal Vine, Mark Lebeda, and many, many others.

To donate items for the auctions; food for the benefit; or your time; contact:

Dan (319)929-5602         danny.mcdaniel@pepsico.com

Crystal (319)929-2769    littlevine85@hotmail.com

Mark (319)393-8146       mark.lebeda@pepsico.com

A Comment on Iowans

Though I’ve lived in Ohio for more than 26 years, when people ask me where I’m from, I still answer Iowa, usually to the painfully inevitable response, “That’s where they grow potatoes, right?”

I’ve made brief and infrequent returns to Iowa over the years, but with each trip, I’m reminded of the friendly goodness of Iowans, receiving many earnest invitations to “stop over for a visit.”

In January, my younger brother, and resident Eastern Iowan, was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer that has proved to be tenacious in its resistance to treatment. A part-time farmer, who would prefer to be farming full time, if such a thing were commonly possible these days, Marty also is employed by Quaker.

Another employee at Quaker, who has no close personal history with Marty and his family, decided to organize a benefit to help the family offset mounting medical expenses. He was soon joined by others who assembled a larger group of volunteers and a sizable and varied assortment of donations (mostly from current or former Iowans) that promises to make this an impressive event.

In writing to a longtime friend who is a member of the organizing group, I offered my thanks for the time and effort that he and others have given to help my brother. My friend’s response was typical and, I believe, a comment on most Iowans. His response: “It seems in Iowa, especially when the chips are down, we don’t really have friends — we just have bigger families.”

Carl Vine
Letter to the editor: "Iowans rally to take care of one another"
Cedar Rapids Gazette online 8/19/2012, print 8/20/2012

Thanks to everyone who organized and participated in the benefit. Attendance was much greater than anticipated, and the generous donations will help Marty and his family maintain a focus on attending to his recovery.

Once again, the sentiments above (written before the benefit) have held true.