Barbara Martin worked with preschoolers to build muscle power, neurological ability, motor control and other vital functions.
But this pediatric physical therapist would probably say the exercises were simply a way to care for someone who was equal, just less fortunate.
And for 30 years, the Louisiana native did just that in metro Atlanta.
Initially, she was a therapist for DeKalb County public schools. Then she co-founded Associated Therapies Inc. of Decatur. Children were the heart of her private practice, which had more than 40 occupational, physical and speech-language pathologists. It has helped improve the skills of disabled children all over the metro area, often in their homes.
"She loved babies," said Bob Martin, her husband of 25 years. "She just adored children, and that's what she wanted to do."
Four years ago, Barbara Garland Martin of Atlanta was diagnosed with breast cancer that eventually spread to her stomach, brain and spine. She died Thursday from complications of the disease at the DeKalb Medical Center. She was 58.
A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. A.S. Turner & Sons is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Martin was born in Baton Rouge and moved to Columbus as part of a military family. She graduated from Georgia State and embarked on a career that reflected her views on life, said Elizabeth Martin, the eldest of her four children.
"My mom, very subtly, instilled in us that all people are equal and all children are equal," she said. "It was never pointed out directly, but there were just hints here and there. She taught us the value of other people, and children, who are different."
Often, Mrs. Martin worked with preschool children in their home, so she was involved with the entire family, not just the patient. That meant she also taught primary caregivers the correct way to perform the exercises and explain their benefits.
Her husband recalls one client who was born with a brain stem but no brain. Though death was imminent, Mrs. Martin worked with him as if he would live to adulthood. Her approach to any child, relatives say, was gentle and calm.
"It was amazing to watch," her daughter said. "Even when she barely had the strength herself, and was receiving physical therapy herself, she continued to work with the children to build their strength. She did what she could because they could not. We were always taught that."
Two years ago, Mrs. Martin's business partner died from abdominal cancer. While she had maintained the business, it's unclear whether Associated Therapies Inc. will continue.
"We sure hope so," her husband said.
Additional survivors include two daughters, Emily Martin of Boone, N.C., and Joanna Martin of Oxford, Miss.; a son, Robbie Martin of Atlanta; her father, Lt. Col. Albert Garland of Columbus; two sisters, Anne Murray of Baton Rouge and Sue Anderson of El Paso, Texas; and a brother, Mark Garland of Greensboro, N.C.
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