Mexico native Dr. Jonathan Martin

Viewers who tuned in to ESPN’s pregame coverage of the Patriots’ Monday Night Football game against the Ravens on Dec. 12 may have recognized a familiar name seen during the segment of “E:60.”

The story was about 10-year-old Logan Schoenhardt’s unique bond with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Logan, of Connecticut, is battling terminal cancer that has spread to his spine.

Logan’s neurosurgeon is Dr. Jonathan Martin, a 1988 graduate of Rumford High School.

Logan has battled the disease for six years, undergoing more than six brain surgeries. With the spread of his cancer, he is now in a wheelchair.

“I’ve cared for Logan for a bit over six years,” said Martin, who works at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. “Logan, like many children who face a major health crisis, is a hero. He doesn’t see it that way — he just gets up every day and does what he needs to do. But I assure you — he is a hero, nonetheless. His spirit and grit are remarkable.

“He is fortunate to have two incredible parents who have been loving and honest throughout this process,” Martin said. “It has been my privilege to be involved in his care.”

Before a procedure in March, Logan had a special request. He asked his doctor to engrave Brady’s No. 12 on the side of his skull.

Brady heard about it a month later and reached out to Logan. The two have shared a personal bond ever since.

“Logan’s request was certainly unusual, but I had no reservations honoring it at the time,” Martin said. “It is difficult for most folks to understand the mindset of a child or family in such circumstances — there are many ways to search for ‘normal,’ and this was his.”

He said Logan and his family provide a sober reminder that there are no guarantees in life.

“I’m grateful that my job reminds me of this every day,” Martin said. “Logan reminds us all to live — and live well. Go Pats! And go Logan!”

To see the video of the story on YouTube, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=haWxDDc4XY0.

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