Former NY Giants defensive end George Martin to discuss his inspiring 3200 mile walk across America to raise funds and awareness for 9/11.

Saturday, March 14 at 1:00 PM


This year Ringwood resident and past photography exhibitor George Martin, executive, humanitarian and former New York Football Giants star will display photographs he took along his recent 3,000 mile walk across the United States to raise money for emergency responders to 9/11. Mr. Martin will also speak about his Journey on Saturday, March 14 at 1PM at Saint Catherine of Bologna church. George walked from the George Washington Bridge (NY) to San Diego, CA, stopping along the way to promote various events in support of the Journey for 9/11 mission, raising over 2 million dollars.

Many of those who rushed to lower Manhattan to aid in the rescue efforts at Ground Zero are sick with respiratory and other diseases that can cause permanent disability.  Some have even lost their jobs and have no insurance.
A study by Mt. Sinai Medical Center found that nearly 70 percent of the responders have suffered lung disease and other health problems, with workers suffering above normal rates for asthma and one in eight developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

"Cancer, chronic asthma, PTSD, gastrointestinal disease; it's a simple and sad fact that exposure to the unknown toxins at ground zero and other traumas have had devastating effects on the health and well-being on those that sacrificed the time, safety, their families and their jobs for the benefit of our nation," Martin told a crowd at the Hall of Flame Fire Museum in Phoenix that had gathered to support the journey. "We owe them. We owe them our support. For that reason, I walk.”

How to Donate
The mission of George's Journey for 9/11 is ongoing. If you are interested in donating to help provide health care for the surviving rescue and recovery workers who rushed to Ground Zero after the 9-11 attacks, we will have pledge cards and envelopes available at his presentation Saturday, March 14 and throughout the Exhibit. You may also make an online tax deductible donation at  AJourneyFor911.org or mail a check to “A Journey for 9/11,” c/o Valley National Bank, P.O. Box 707, Wayne, NJ 07474.

About George Martin
Prior to his nine-month odyssey, George Martin had a life marked by great athletic, career and family achievements. He was a star defensive end and co-captain of the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants (1986). Mr. Martin is a former president of the NFL Players Association. "George Martin is not about sitting back and letting things happen," said Harry Carson, who has known Martin since 1976 and was fellow Giants co-Captain. "He's about being a trailblazer and making things happen."

George helped his fellow Giants prepare for life beyond football and led the way to establish a degree completion program for them at Fairleigh Dickinson University, which has become a model for the NFL and other professional sports leagues. He also helped establish the FDU Outreach Program that sends Giants players to high schools to speak to students about the importance of setting goals and avoiding drug and alcohol abuse.

He is the father of four children and lives in Ringwood with Dianne, his wife of 36 years. Both Dianne and George have exhibited their photography at past St. Catherine of Bologna Exhibitions.