My name is Matt. I am a 57 year old husband, father and grandpa. In the summer of 2022 I was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer despite having quit smoking 30 years ago. I proceeded to have a lobectomy that removed 2 lobes of my lung on the right side. Once I was recovered from the surgery I started the journey of radiation daily for 12 weeks along with chemotherapy and immunotherapy for 16 weeks. In mid 2023 I started getting off balance and lightheaded and it was discovered that the cancer had metastasized and I had brain lesions. I started on steroids to reduce the swelling and then had brain radiation. I continue to have ct scans and MRIs every 3 months on my brain and every alternating 3 months on my chest. There has been some discussion about a minimally invasive surgery on my brain to remove lesions. A bit frightening.

I am not unique nor am I special. I am just a guy that has had a bump in the road. I am not sure that a person can actually prepare for something like this. I am surrounded by love and an incredible family. A beautiful wife, 2 wonderful daughters, a great son as well as 2 grandkids. It is not lost on me that this whole experience has been incredibly hard on a family that I dearly love. It comes with an immense amount of guilt that I have put them through this.

My medical bills continue to rise with no real end in site. Anything that anyone can do to help offset some of the financial burden of the medical bills would be appreciated. If you cannot help financially I understand. A brief note of encouragement would be wonderful too. I thought I was going to be able to do this on my own but alas it is just not the case.

Hold your family and friends tight,

Matt