Pocono News Section

Freeland Mayor has a New Mission

Freeland Mayor has a New Mission - Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 4:08PM EST

Thursday, Oct 29, 2009 @ 04:08pm EDT
FREELAND, LUZERNE COUNTY- Freeland Mayor Tim Martin was diagnosed with esophageal cancer earlier this year.

The 51-year-old has been mayor for 8 years and a councilman for 4 years before that.

He loves his hometown and now he knows how much is hometown loves him.

Martin said, "I am going to beat this and with them fighting behind me pushing me we are going to go forward."

Thousands of people turned out for and helped organize a fund-raiser and awareness rally for the mayor in September.

Martin said, "We did what we have to do, but with the community support behind you I knew we had family support and great friends. When you see the community support, it's just that little extra drive. I've had many people say, we don't what you to go anywhere, you're our mayor and you're going to be our mayor. That's a heart warming small town feel a lot of people might not know."

"Martins Mission" is to raise awareness about cancer.

Any money raised will be given to the American Cancer Society.

"The best thing is you can tell anybody is awareness and finding out early. If I had found out earlier I would have had surgery. I would be recuperating maybe put this chapter behind me," said Martin.