Young Athlete Marty Blakey Battles T-Cell Lymphoma Diagnosis

San Antonio College Basketball Player Marty Blakey, 19, Diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma After Sudden ER Visit

September 15, 2026

Last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 15, 2026

Marty Blakey, a 19-year-old, is bravely confronting a life-altering cancer diagnosis that has disrupted his promising athletic career.

On September 5th, 2026, Blakey was urgently admitted to the emergency room due to respiratory distress and significant arm swelling.

Medical professionals identified a substantial chest mass with high suspicion of malignancy.

Marty had recently relocated to San Antonio, Texas, to pursue collegiate basketball while his mother, Amanda, stayed behind in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Upon receiving the news, Amanda immediately traveled to San Antonio to support her son during this terrifying ordeal.

Subsequent testing confirmed Marty's diagnosis of T-Cell Lymphoma.

By September 12th, he had completed two biopsies, a spinal tap, and bone marrow analysis to assess the cancer's progression.

Family friend Amanda Ronnenberg is coordinating a fundraising campaign to aid Marty and his mother through this trying time.

Once physicians gain full clarity on Marty's condition, plans are in place to facilitate his and Amanda's safe return to Iowa for comprehensive treatment at the University of Iowa Hospital.

Amanda's inability to work this week compounds the financial strain of this medical crisis, intensifying their current challenges.

The fundraising appeal emphasizes:

We are currently hundreds of miles from home with mounting medical expenses. Your support would be invaluable in covering living costs, bills, treatments, and transportation during this critical period. Every contribution helps ensure Marty receives the care he needs for months to come.

Currently, $1,300 has been contributed toward the $15,000 target.

Marty's Treatment Journey and Path to Healing

Recent hospital updates indicate Marty has been transferred to a specialized unit for enhanced treatment protocols.

A recent chest X-ray showed pleural effusion requiring therapeutic drainage to alleviate respiratory discomfort.

Physicians intend to initiate neoadjuvant chemotherapy to inhibit tumor progression while finalizing personalized treatment strategies.

Despite ongoing uncertainties, Marty and Amanda maintain optimism through community encouragement and familial solidarity.

With sustained medical attention, affection, and financial contributions, there remains hope for Marty's complete recovery and eventual return to competitive basketball.

Wishing Marty a swift and full recovery!