Last summer, I linked to an amazing blog post from writer/consumer advocate, netizen and raconteur Martin Bosworth. Martin worked as managing editor at the consumer advocacy site ConsumerAffairs.com, and shared his thoughts at his blog,
Boztopia and on Twitter as MartinBoz. Martin blogged and Tweeted openly about his health challenges, and in particular, how he had been going without health insurance for quite a while, and was struggling to get a variety of symptoms diagnosed and properly treated. Among his issues, Martin was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, and he talked about his thyroid problem, and the difficulty he had losing weight, with honesty, compassion and heart, in one particular blog post back in August, Who's Gonna Take The Weight?
It was a shock to me to learn that just a few days ago, we lost Martin , at the young age of 35. The cause of death was a deep vein thrombosis -- a blod clot in the leg -- that traveled to his lung, where it became a pulmonary embolism.
We've lost a brave, honest, funny, and insightful man. Martin and I were looking forward to working together on a health book project that we were discussing. What a compelling writer he was, with such an honest voice and wry intellect.
Katie Schwartz over at DearThyroid, who was a dear friend to Martin, has written a lovely tribute to Martin and there is a Facebook Martin Bosworth In Memoriam Facebook page honoring Martin as well.
Knowing Martin, he would never want us to sit around and be sad, though. What he would want is for us all to continue to advocate for better health care, and demand proper diagnosis and treatment for thyroid and other health problems. So, the next time you go to the doctor and stick up for what you need to live and feel well, tell them Martin sent you! He'd like that...
Photo: Boztopia.com
Thank you, Mary, for posting this tribute to an extraordinary man.
I’m very sorry I never had a chance to interact with Martin on his blog. I only discovered it after reading your tribute to him.
It’s so sad he’s no longer with us. He will be missed by his family, friends and fans …
Carla – Belgium (Europe)
I met Martin through Twitter. So it was a terrible shock to hear of his passing via Twitter. I had the pleasure of meeting up with him several times here in Los Angeles since we first met. He was a good man and I will miss him. Because of his suffering and untimely death I will be more vigilant about health care reform issues. Thanks for an inspiring post.
My thoughts and prayers go out to, all of Martins friends and family! I know the pain of loosing someone close and so young, and there are not words to say that adequately express how heart felt my thoughts and prayers are…
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Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
My condolences to Martins family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sharon…that last sentence you wrote was so beautiful I had to write it down.
I wrote it down too. Beautiful
So sorry to hear of the passing on of your dear friend. He lived the life he was meant to live. We have gained from his life so the best tribute to him is to continue his work. May we find strength in his example.