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Connor Martinez

Connor Martinez was a Puerto Rican and Cuban American student from Pasadena, California. He was part of the Pasadena High School friend group that included Cassidy Harris, Jeremy Wallace, Evan Thompson, and Daniel Ross. A perforated appendix and septic shock during Thanksgiving 1998 left him with permanent gastroparesis, mild residual cognitive effects, and medical PTSD. He later married Cassidy.

Early Life and Family

Connor was born on April 15, 1982, to Rosa and Roberto Martinez. He grew up in the Pasadena area with his siblings, Marisol and Miguel, and his grandmother, Abuela Lupita. His family spoke both English and Spanish.

Connor was the middle child. His family remained closely involved during his 1998 hospitalization and recovery.

Education and Friend Group

Connor attended Pasadena High School. His close friends included Cassidy Harris, Jeremy Wallace, Evan Thompson, and Daniel Ross.

The group fractured after Jeremy experienced cardiac arrest caused by severe malnutrition and dehydration during an eating-disorder and mental-health crisis in June 1998. Connor maintained relationships across the resulting division rather than treating either side as disposable.

Thanksgiving 1998 Medical Crisis

Main article: Connor Martinez Appendicitis and Septic Crisis (Thanksgiving 1998) - Event

On November 26, 1998, Connor arrived at the emergency department with appendicitis. He waited approximately three hours before receiving adequate evaluation, a delay attributed to anti-Latino medical racism. By the time clinicians recognized the severity of his condition, his appendix had perforated.

Connor underwent emergency surgery early on November 27 and developed sepsis and septic shock. He remained hospitalized for twelve days.

The crisis caused permanent mild-to-moderate gastroparesis and post-septic encephalopathy. Connor experienced months of cognitive recovery and retained mild residual effects. The hospitalization and the delay in treatment also caused medical PTSD.

Health and Recovery

Connor returned to school in spring 1999 with accommodations and a reduced schedule. His gastroparesis required ongoing attention to food tolerance and meal size, while the residual effects of encephalopathy affected his stamina and cognition during recovery.

Medical settings remained a source of trauma after the hospitalization. Connor’s care needs included clear explanations, respect for his account of his own symptoms, and recognition of the racial bias that had contributed to the original delay.

Personality and Communication

Connor was steady, practical, and dryly funny. He often supported friends through consistent presence rather than dramatic reassurance. During conflicts within the friend group, he resisted pressure to reduce people to a single mistake or crisis.

He spoke English and Spanish and used both within his family and community.

Romantic and Significant Relationships

Cassidy Harris

Main article: Connor Martinez and Cassidy Harris

Connor and Cassidy had their first date on November 9, 1998, at a Mexican restaurant in Pasadena. They had been dating for approximately three weeks when Connor became critically ill.

Cassidy remained closely involved throughout his hospitalization and recovery. Their relationship continued after high school, and they married in their mid-to-late twenties.

Cassidy later incorporated Connor’s experience into her healthcare-equity advocacy with his consent. She protected his privacy and did not treat his medical history as hers to disclose without permission.

Memorable Quotes

“Can I kiss you?”

(Source: Connor Martinez and Cassidy Harris; Connor asking Cassidy for consent on their first date)

“Love you.”

(Source: Connor Martinez Appendicitis and Septic Crisis (Thanksgiving 1998) - Event; Connor speaking to Cassidy during his hospitalization)

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