Remembering Izzy Martin, Our 2021 Readers’ Choice Person of the Year

Isabelle “Izzy” Martin, People Newspapers’ 2021 Readers’ Choice Person of the Year, died July 29 of osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that she battled for more than two years.⁠

“Our warrior went home to Jesus,” Izzy’s mom, Christine Martin, wrote in an Instagram post. “Her earthly burdens lifted, her job here on Earth was well done and we know God has welcomed her home in His loving arms.”

Twelve-year-old Izzy attended the Episcopal School of Dallas and spent her free time fundraising for osteosarcoma research. Her foundation, Team Izzy’s Osteosarcoma Science Fund at the Osteosarcoma Institute has raised more than $300,000 to date. Her grandparents are matching gifts this month up to $25,000 as her family continues to take donations for the cause in loving memory.

Izzy was a longtime dancer, and she found out she had osteosarcoma in early 2020 following a dance injury that led to a broken femur.

“She is no longer feeling earthly pain and is twirling (and telling everyone how to twirl) in the clouds,” her studio Dance Industry wrote in an Instagram post. “[…] We will dance in honor of you forever.”

Izzy died shortly after 9 a.m. surrounded by family in her home. She is survived by her parents, Christine and David Martin, and her siblings, Faith, Madeleine, and Luke Martin.

Christine wrote in the Instagram post that she will share more on her blog at a later time.