He had a 50% chance to live’: How this 9-year-old Blues fan is helping kids just like him

LADUE, Mo. —  When Albert Martin was born, doctors gave him a 50% chance of survival. Today, the 9-year-old Reed Elementary third-grader is not only thriving – he’s helping other children facing similar challenges.

Albert is spearheading a book drive at his Ladue school to benefit children at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, with a special assist from Louie, the beloved St. Louis Blues mascot.

“We are giving away books. All the classes in third grade can help and we’re giving it to the hospital and all the kids who are in the hospital,” explained Isa Springer, Albert’s classmate.

A Personal Mission Born from Experience

For Albert, this mission is deeply personal. “When I was born, I was in the hospital for eight months,” he shared.

Albert was born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), a condition his father, Davis Martin, describes as “a hole in the diaphragm, which allows your organs to grow up into your lung cavity, thus making it very difficult for your lungs to grow.”

Despite being as common as cystic fibrosis or spina bifida, CDH remains far less known to the public. The condition presents significant challenges from birth.

“CDH babies are given about a 50% chance of survival at diagnosis. And then some babies, such as Albert, may have other medical complexities that make that chance even lower,” said Stacy Martin, Albert’s mother.

Albert spent his first eight months fighting for his life in the NICU, undergoing ten surgeries before he could come home. Against considerable odds, he survived and began to thrive.

A Sister’s Support and Hockey Heroes

Today, Albert still receives nutrition through a feeding tube, but his resilience shines through in everyday activities, especially when playing with his sister Libby.

“I’m like his cheerleader. I just like help him be strong and stuff,” Libby said of her relationship with her brother.

Between board games at home and classroom activities at school, Albert has found another passion – the St. Louis Blues hockey team. What began as fandom has evolved into something much more meaningful.

When Albert needed specialized treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Blues stars reached out. Brayden Schenn sent a special video message: “I just want to say we’re thinking of you. Keep fighting. Whenever you’re done with your treatment we’d love to have you down to the game. Come down to the locker room, meet all the boys and be a part of it all.”

True to that promise, Albert got his locker room visit when he returned home.

Building Bridges Through Books

Now, Albert is channeling his experiences into helping others. The third-graders have already collected over a hundred books, with a goal of reaching five hundred – each intended to provide comfort and escape for hospitalized children.

“I think it’s like a good way to raise awareness for CDH because not many people know about it,” said classmate Teddy Haar.

Beyond bringing joy to hospital-bound children, the drive serves another purpose. “Driving awareness has a direct correlation to driving donations, which then leads to better research,” Davis explained.

The Martin family hopes increased awareness will eventually lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating CDH. While landmarks across St. Louis – including the Enterprise Center, James S. McDonnell Planetarium, and St. Louis Wheel – will illuminate in CDH awareness colors (pink, blue, and yellow) on April 19th, Albert’s book drive represents a more personal contribution to the cause.

A Story of Courage and Giving Back

For a boy who spent his earliest days fighting to survive, Albert has created a meaningful way to help others facing similar challenges. By combining his love of books and Blues hockey, he’s creating brighter days for children in hospitals.

“And we’re very grateful,” says Davis Martin, reflecting on the support his family has received and is now passing forward.

Through his courage and compassion, Albert proves that sometimes the most inspiring stories aren’t found on bookshelves – they’re written by those who’ve overcome life’s greatest challenges.