Martin’s Story

The NittyStrong Story

Martin Howe September 25th, 2000 - April 5th, 2019

The Nittystrong story

The NittyStrong Foundation started in 2019. Following the passing of our Son - Martin Howe. He fought a courageous battle against Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma.

He would pass away peacefully in mine & my wife’s arms on April 5th of 2019.

The NittyStrong Foundation grants scholarships to graduating high school students as well as fund local youth, middle, and high school arts, music, and sports organizations with funds for their activity of choice. We also believe in random acts of kindness, and passing on Martin’s message of “Live In The Moment”.

We do these specific things for two reasons. First, Martin was an avid sports fan, and had aspirations of becoming a Sports Journalist. The second reason, is that for every sport Martin used to play, we would always find a unique way to fund and provide opportunity to the student-athletes on his team.

His message as he passed away, was to “Live In The Moment” something that we all can take principles from, and is different to each person at the time they hear it.

While trying to occupy our minds during our initial 2-week stay in the hospital, we decided to take up the offer of “crafting”. That was when we crafted the first ever “NittyStrong” bracelet. Nitty, for Martin’s nickname, Strong, for the way he would face his cancer battle.

The first bracelet was made out of a piece of wire, and beads - super crafty. The rest of the NittyStrong bracelets would be made online and distributed nationwide.

This movement would go on to become a social storm. We had hundreds of people posting pictures of themselves with their #NittyStrong bands. We took to Facebook & Instagram with support from friends, family, strangers.

When Martin was given days-to-weeks left to live, we packed a few bags, dragged he and his 2 week old sister, Marley, out to Denver, Colorado. The place Martin wanted to be for his final moments.

A big thank you to our family & their network, they sent us on a wild ride.

The Denver Nuggets had him courtside, meeting players, commentating on live TV for a basketball game, and getting the VIP behind the scenes look at an NBA game.

The Denver Broncos, who Martin saw during Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, had him tour the stadium, the practice facility, and meeting players from their roster. The surprise guest was Peyton Manning, who had called Martin days before to wish him strength.

Martin would pass on opening day of the Colorado Rockies baseball season, we could see the stadium from his downtown rental. He truly had lived out every bit of his dream.

We give in his memory, and for the opportunity to share his story with someone new. It keeps his flame alive.

If you look up the hashtag #nittystrong, or Google NittyStrong you’d be surprised at all the amazing things you’ll see. What is a Nitty? The world already knows.

In Loving Memory of Martin Joseph Howe