Vic's Journal

From Camp to Careers

A Family’s Journey With VJ

By Abby Sugg
October 31, 2024

At Victory Junction, we believe that every volunteer brings something truly special to our Camp community. What makes Victory Junction even more magical are the unique and inspiring stories behind how volunteers discover us and choose to join in on the fun. We love hearing the heartfelt reasons why individuals step through our gates. Each story reminds us of the profound impact Camp has, not just on our campers, but on those who give their time and energy to help make our mission a reality. In this blog, we’re excited to share one of those incredible journeys.

Dr. David Marting and Kyle Petty
Dr. David Martin (L) has been the team doctor for the Kyle Petty Charity Ride since 2000.

Meet Dr. David Martin and his daughter, Dr. Sarah Reel! Since 2000, David has been involved with the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, Victory Junction’s largest cumulative donor. As a doctor himself, his initial connection to the Ride was serving as the team doctor. David mentions, “It has been amazing to see what has been accomplished at Victory Junction.” Throughout his years of involvement with the Charity Ride, David’s wife and daughters often accompanied him traveling across the U.S., helping to raise money for Victory Junction. His daughter, Sarah, also went through medical school to become a doctor, just like her father.

Dr. David Marting and Kyle Petty
Dr. David Martin (L) has been the team doctor for the Kyle Petty Charity Ride since 2000.
Victory Junction Medical Team with Richard Petty
As a med student, Sarah (far right) worked with VJ's medical team.
Victory Junction Medical Team with Richard Petty
As a med student, Sarah (far right) worked with VJ's medical team.

Sarah continued with her medical career and completed her residency in Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She now is a Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellow at that same hospital. She says that it is her dream to get back to Camp one day, and that VJ filled her up with so many “warm and fuzzies” that got her through some challenging days in medical training. While Sarah is now in Ohio, she still dances when a song from Camp comes on and she shares, “You better believe I still cheer for the Blue crew!”

A camper enjoys a tethered hot air balloon ride at NASCARnival.
A camper enjoys a tethered hot air balloon ride at NASCARnival.

Victory Junction has a special way of creating lasting memories, not just for campers but for everyone who takes part in our mission. Dr. David Martin and his daughter, Sarah, are prime examples of the lasting impact of Camp and their love for VJ reminds us that we’re incredibly grateful for volunteers who carry the spirit of Victory Junction with them, no matter where life takes them.