LYNN — Looking at Ivy Martin, and listening to her talk of her goals and ambitions, and her experiences, you’d never know she’s living with a cloud hovering over her.
With all she’s had to overcome in the past three years, Martin has decided that the best way to cope with it is to stay busy and involved.
Martin, 22, who graduated from Salem State last month, was named “Outstanding Future Professional” by the Massachusetts Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. She is one of six recipients of the annual statewide award that honors students who show dedication to becoming a committed professional in one of MAPHERD’s education fields.
She’s not finished yet. Martin is in the master’s degree program at Salem State with the goal of teaching physical education at the elementary school level.
Martin didn’t simply attend Salem State. She did her best to personify the university, volunteering for a vast number of organizations such as the Council of Future Professionals and student government.
“I did a lot of volunteering,” she said. “The award is for someone who best represents the community.”
But there is one thing about her that sets her apart from the average college student: her battle with Scleritis, an autoimmune deficiency where basically her immune system attacks her eyes.
“It causes inflammation in my eyes,” she said, “and if they can’t find the proper medication to control it, I could go blind.”
She says this matter-of-factly, without drama or pity. She’s had the condition for six years, but she only had it properly diagnosed two years ago by Dr. Sobrin Lucia at Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary.
“It started in my left eye,” she said. “At first, I thought it was something to do with my contact lenses because I was wearing them. So I stopped.”
But the condition persisted. She tried everything she could think of to alleviate the irritation before seeking medical attention.
“I went four years without it being properly diagnosed,” she said. “Finally, two years ago, Dr. Lucia got to the bottom of it.”
It is not a common affliction, and “there aren’t enough people in any one section of the country to do a study. I’ve often thought about organizing a road race or something to raise money (her father, Steve Martin, is an avid runner).
For now, Martin manages the condition with twice-monthly injections, which she can administer herself. Still, she has to visit MGH frequently for treatments and follow-ups, and she’s found it difficult at times to juggle school, work and volunteer activities.
“But everyone’s been great,” she said. I always managed to fit in all my obligations.”
That would include being an assistant softball coach at Lynn Classical, where she was a star pitcher.
“She was the captain of the team my first year as a coach,” said Erica Richard, head coach at Classical. “She was always special. She was everything a captain should be.
“I really feel good that I’ve seen her transition from a player to a coach to a friend.”
“I think these things help me cope with my condition,” she said. “I can go through times when I sit around and feel sorry for myself, but you can’t do that. I’d rather be busy and involved.”
For now, her vision — while not perfect — allows her to do what she loves without limitations. And she has some definite ideas on that status of physical education in the Lynn school system.
“Kids need more time,” she said. “Either longer periods or more classes in a week. In a lot of cases, the only moving any of these kids do is when they’re at school.”
Martin says she leans toward more inclusive physical activities, as opposed to what she calls “elimination” games.
“That’s where, you know, the people who are natural athletes end up dominating,” she said. “I’d like to see kids learn more about nutrition, and learn not just about physical health but emotional health too … how to cope with life situations.”
And her way of coping is to stay busy.
“I try to tell myself this isn’t the worst thing that could happen,” she said.