Team MATT
Donation protected
Three weeks ago, my boyfriend and I received devastating news. Despite much hesitation to publicize this information, I feel a need to shed light on his story…
Matt discovered a small lump near his waistline two years ago, not long after we started dating. Through CT scan imagery and a biopsy procedure, the urologist at the University of Florida Shands Medical Center confirmed the presence of synovial sarcoma. This is an extremely rare form of cancer, affecting few people each year. As a new couple we were suddenly faced with a heartbreaking situation. I was in the middle of an internship to complete my teaching degree and Matt was working full time as a team leader at Publix. Even though we had only been together a few months, I immediately knew that I was committed to being with him through this time no matter what. He started treatment quickly thereafter. Over the course of several weeks Matt underwent several rounds of radiation, intensive surgery, and preventative chemotherapy. Clear margins indicated the cancer had successfully been removed.
Two years later, the cancer has now returned. Following the most recent PET scan, the oncologist confirmed the presence of synovial sarcoma in the primary pelvic region and several lesions within each lung. This news has literally rocked our world. Despite concerns, we continue to embrace our love for one another and most importantly, our love of life. Everyday I question why I should be so lucky to have Matt in my life. It is for this exact reason that I am determined to help him in this fight.
This journey will not be possible without financial strain. And so, I find myself asking of others that they too support Matt through treatment. In nearing weeks, we will visit the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. It is our hope that the sarcoma specialist can then provide additional recommendations as to how this cancer can be treated.
I appreciate your contributions, your thoughts, and your prayers. God has a plan- I know this.
Matt discovered a small lump near his waistline two years ago, not long after we started dating. Through CT scan imagery and a biopsy procedure, the urologist at the University of Florida Shands Medical Center confirmed the presence of synovial sarcoma. This is an extremely rare form of cancer, affecting few people each year. As a new couple we were suddenly faced with a heartbreaking situation. I was in the middle of an internship to complete my teaching degree and Matt was working full time as a team leader at Publix. Even though we had only been together a few months, I immediately knew that I was committed to being with him through this time no matter what. He started treatment quickly thereafter. Over the course of several weeks Matt underwent several rounds of radiation, intensive surgery, and preventative chemotherapy. Clear margins indicated the cancer had successfully been removed.
Two years later, the cancer has now returned. Following the most recent PET scan, the oncologist confirmed the presence of synovial sarcoma in the primary pelvic region and several lesions within each lung. This news has literally rocked our world. Despite concerns, we continue to embrace our love for one another and most importantly, our love of life. Everyday I question why I should be so lucky to have Matt in my life. It is for this exact reason that I am determined to help him in this fight.
This journey will not be possible without financial strain. And so, I find myself asking of others that they too support Matt through treatment. In nearing weeks, we will visit the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. It is our hope that the sarcoma specialist can then provide additional recommendations as to how this cancer can be treated.
I appreciate your contributions, your thoughts, and your prayers. God has a plan- I know this.
Organizer
Sarah Piper
Organizer
Gainesville, FL
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