Doctors diagnosed Martin with cryptococcal meningitis and brain tuberculosis, but his condition kept worsening. Within a year, his parents were told, *“Your son has the brain function of a three-month-old. Take him home… until he dies.”*

Refusing to give up, his father, Rodney, cared for him day and night. His mother, Joan, battled depression. Martin, meanwhile, slowly regained consciousness around age 14 but was “aware of everything” while unable to move or speak. No one noticed. Even when Joan whispered in despair, *“I hope you die,”* he heard it all.

Years later, aromatherapist Virna van der Walt spotted tiny signs of awareness—small smiles and focused eyes—and urged further evaluation. Tests confirmed Martin was fully conscious.

With a computer and voice software like Stephen Hawking’s, Martin eventually learned to communicate. After years of therapy, he shared his story.

Today, Martin is a published author, married, and a powerful example of resilience—proof that even in total silence, the human spirit can survive and speak.