Francesca Antoinette Martin

Our beautiful daughter Francesca- affectionately called Frankie- was a very precious girl, radiating life and a fierce joy despite the continuous challenges she faced. Born on July 24, 2022, in Madison Wisconsin, Frankie came into this world as our ultimate teacher. Though her time in our arms was far too short, she taught everyone who crossed her path the invaluable lessons of gratitude, resilience, and patience.

Frankie was diagnosed with MPS-I Hurler Syndrome and MCAD deficiency. These two rare genetic disorders combined to make her truly one in 1.5 billion- a statistic that only mirrors how completely unique and special she was. Because of her brave involvement in several clinical trials and research studies, our little girl’s incredible strength and treatment path will someday help pave the way for other families facing these devastating diagnoses.

Despite the heavy medical journeys, long hospital stays, and an intensive bone marrow transplant, Frankie never stopped shining her bright light into the world. She was a wonderfully happy, loving child, who absolutely adored her Mama and Dada, her grandparents, and her beloved doggie, Cow. Some of her absolute favorite moments were riding high on her Daddy’s shoulders, snuggling close in her Mommy’s arms, and watching Miss Rachel or Elmo videos. She possessed an infectious laugh and an unforgettable smile that could instantly lift our spirits and bring joy to her dedicated nurses. She spent countless happy hours doing puzzles, reading books, and practicing animal sounds with her Little People figurines.

On May 3, 2024, at just twenty-one months old, our strong little girl gained her angel wings at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis due to post-bone marrow transplant complications. While our lives are forever brighter for having known and loved her, our hearts remain completely undone by her absence.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Peyton’s Smile, who graciously sponsored a special healing trip to Hawaii, we were honored to celebrate the second anniversary of Frankie’s passing as a family. We carried her memory closely alongside her little sister, Antoinette- proudly named after the big sister who came before her. Throughout the trip, we saw countless rainbows arching over the island. Those beautiful, vibrant signs felt like a beautiful reminder of Frankie, showing us just how woven she remains into our everyday lives, and how her spirit continues to accompany us and the baby sister who carries her name.

We will deeply miss, fiercely love, and always cherish our Frankie. We are incredibly grateful for Peyton’s Smile for stepping into our lives during our darkest hours of grief, helping us navigate this earth-shattering loss, and reminding u s that even through the deepest pain of losing a child, we must eventually try to find a way to smile in Frankie’s honor.