DWTS 13 J.R. Martinez Could Make A Difference To Soldiers And War Veterans, Not To Mention Dance Fans
J.R. Martinez may be an unfamiliar face to many of us especially if you’ve never seen him on “All My Children” like myself, but, his turn on Dancing With The Stars “could make a difference to soldiers and war veterans, not to mention dance fans” according to the LA Times. Just how serious could JR’s role play on the show and help those who have suffered from catastrophic burns and who have went through numerous cosmetic and skin graft surgeries? The LA Times explores this question while interviewing some doctors on it. Here’s a take…
“No question about it,” said Dr. Timothy Miller, executive director of Operation Mend, a partnership among the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, and the V.A.-Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System that treats U.S. military members who have been seriously wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. “He’s got some scars, but I’m sure he looks better than he did. I can’t speak for him, but I’m willing to say he’s more pleased or happier now than before his reconstruction.”
Miller says he’s seen spirits lifted among patients treated via Operation Mend: “Sometimes we’re averaging six to eight operations on someone, and some go to 15,” he says. “They can extend over a year and a half. I can tell you without hesitation that their mood is definitely improved [as reconstructive surgeries improve their wounds]. They are much more outgoing and much happier.”
Having a solid support system is critical to helping patients through tough times, he adds. “So many people have very strong families that are very dedicated — that’s the most important thing, I think.” Fellow patients help each other as well, as Martinez has done for his fellow soldiers. “I know there’s a certain understanding and special feeling among people who have had serious injuries. They want to be helpful — it’s a natural thing.”
Can I just say I am so loving this guy!!
I’m predicting JR to go very far, if not to possibly win this thing if he can actually dance. 🙂 He’s truly an inspiration.
You said it Missy! 😉
I’m liking him, David, and believe it or not Nancy (don’t think she’ll go far, but she seems so different than her tv persona and she’s doing it for missing and exploited children charity……and a bit of fun).
I agree that if he can learn to dance, he can absolutely win. People won’t like him out of sympathy, rather out of awe, admiration, inspiration and respect. I am hopelessly unhip and unconnected so I don’t ever know who anyone is, I didn’t know about him before yesterday. But already I feel inspired by him. I used to work with kids who’d had severe burns. I am so happy for all the little ones who now have a hero and hope. I want to keep an open mind for all the contestants, but my preshow favorite as of right now is J.R.
Great article. I am in agreement that if he can dance well, he will make it very far and could actually win. The three I’m liking are David, Ricki and him.
I’m loving him, too! I also think if he can dance well, he’ll go far.