Nathan Shane Martinez

October 6, 2018 – February 15, 2025

Some stories are meant to be told over and over again—etched into the hearts of those who carry them, whispered in moments of longing, and felt in the quiet spaces of life. This is Nathan’s story.

Nathan Martinez was born on October 6, 2018

to Armando Martinez and Pamela Martinez. He has survived by his parents and his brother Noah Martinez.

In just six years, he changed the world. He wasn’t just a boy; he was a warrior, a light, a miracle wrapped in the smallest hands. He was the embodiment of resilience, of pure love, of a spirit too big for this world.

From the moment he came into our lives, Nathan fought battles no child should ever have to face. Born with a rare genetic mutation, he endured more in his short time than most do in a lifetime. Yet, through every hardship, he taught us something profound—that love is stronger than fear, that hope is more powerful than pain, and that even the smallest souls can leave the biggest marks on this earth.

Nathan’s journey became more than our own. His story became a movement, a reason for change, a force that pushed the boundaries of medicine. Because of him, hospitals across California now use whole genome sequencing to diagnose critically ill infants faster—offering families answers where there were once only questions. His life helped secure funding for the Baby Bear Project, giving countless children a fighting chance.

Because of Nathan, parents will now have answers before their babies are even born, giving them the knowledge to prepare, to hope, and to cherish the moments they have.

But beyond the science, beyond the change he inspired, Nathan was a son, a brother, a love that cannot be measured in time. He was the giggle that filled our home, the sleepy sigh against our chest, the little hand that always found ours in the dark. He was our boy.

And now, though his body rests, his story does not end. His love is stitched into our souls, his impact woven into the lives he touched.

Nathan, you were the best thing that ever happened to us. You are free now, our angel, but you will never, ever be forgotten. 💙🕊️

A visitation for Nathan will be held Monday, March 10, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Greenlawn Cemetery, 3700 River Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93305. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 3700 River Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93305. A graveside will occur Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306.