Donation protected
Since October of 2023, Matt Gaitens’ quality of life has drastically declined while managing the intense & persistent symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
For the past 17+ years as a massage therapist, Matt has offered deep care, presence, and a commitment to helping others heal within the Pittsburgh community.
Outside of massage, Matt can be found riding his bike just about anywhere around the city, or writing poetry among the plants.
Maybe you’ve crossed paths with Matt over the years – admiring trees in Frick Park, shopping for herbs in the aisles of the East End Food Co-op, reading at open mic nights, or attending medicine ceremonies along the way. You’ve likely felt his gentle strength and truly loving, compassionate nature.
Through any channel that you might know Matt, you might also know that he has dedicated much of his life to holistic wellness.
True to who he is, Matt is committed to healing from cancer through a holistic approach, which includes the use of specialized supplements and plant medicines, as well as the implementation of meditation and energy work methods, diet regimes, and lifestyle changes.
Any form of self-treatment for cancer, or treatment outside of chemotherapy, is considered “non-conventional”, and therefore nothing is covered by medical insurance.
Unfortunately, Matt’s holistic treatment path has meant the accumulation of debt and growing financial hardship. On top of that, as his symptoms persist, the physical demands of Matt’s massage practice, through which he has been the primary financial provider for his family, are requiring him to take a step back.
While self-treating to the best of his abilities since January 2024, Matt has reached a point on his holistic journey where he requires more intensive, external support.
To get to the root of the illness, he has been connected with an experienced healer (curandero) in the Amazonian jungle of Peru who works one-on-one with patients to help them heal from cancer.
While staying in Peru for a minimum of 3 months, the curandero can support Matt with a customized and intensive alternative cancer treatment plan that would not be possible for him to achieve at home.
Matt feels deeply and intuitively that this is the most aligned path for his healing. Any funds received will go directly to alleviating some of the growing financial hardship while also supporting the advancement of Matt’s alternative cancer treatment plan.
How Your Donation Will Help:
Treatment in Peru: Assisting with the travel expenses and staying at the retreat space for a minimum of 3 months, including the time needed to take off of work for this chapter of Matt’s healing journey.
Alternative Medicines at Home: Help with funding the extra cost of supplements, herbs, and wellness products needed for a full recovery to health.
Daily Living Expenses: Providing support with basic needs including food, rent, and utilities for Matt and his family while navigating this temporary period without Matt’s steady source of income.
How to Donate:
Please click the "Donate Now" button to support.
We understand that finances are tight for many of us now. No amount is too small. If you cannot donate, we kindly request that you share the campaign.
We cannot thank you enough for your kindness, prayers and support.
For the past 17+ years as a massage therapist, Matt has offered deep care, presence, and a commitment to helping others heal within the Pittsburgh community.
Outside of massage, Matt can be found riding his bike just about anywhere around the city, or writing poetry among the plants.
Maybe you’ve crossed paths with Matt over the years – admiring trees in Frick Park, shopping for herbs in the aisles of the East End Food Co-op, reading at open mic nights, or attending medicine ceremonies along the way. You’ve likely felt his gentle strength and truly loving, compassionate nature.
Through any channel that you might know Matt, you might also know that he has dedicated much of his life to holistic wellness.
True to who he is, Matt is committed to healing from cancer through a holistic approach, which includes the use of specialized supplements and plant medicines, as well as the implementation of meditation and energy work methods, diet regimes, and lifestyle changes.
Any form of self-treatment for cancer, or treatment outside of chemotherapy, is considered “non-conventional”, and therefore nothing is covered by medical insurance.
Unfortunately, Matt’s holistic treatment path has meant the accumulation of debt and growing financial hardship. On top of that, as his symptoms persist, the physical demands of Matt’s massage practice, through which he has been the primary financial provider for his family, are requiring him to take a step back.
While self-treating to the best of his abilities since January 2024, Matt has reached a point on his holistic journey where he requires more intensive, external support.
To get to the root of the illness, he has been connected with an experienced healer (curandero) in the Amazonian jungle of Peru who works one-on-one with patients to help them heal from cancer.
While staying in Peru for a minimum of 3 months, the curandero can support Matt with a customized and intensive alternative cancer treatment plan that would not be possible for him to achieve at home.
Matt feels deeply and intuitively that this is the most aligned path for his healing. Any funds received will go directly to alleviating some of the growing financial hardship while also supporting the advancement of Matt’s alternative cancer treatment plan.
How Your Donation Will Help:
Treatment in Peru: Assisting with the travel expenses and staying at the retreat space for a minimum of 3 months, including the time needed to take off of work for this chapter of Matt’s healing journey.
Alternative Medicines at Home: Help with funding the extra cost of supplements, herbs, and wellness products needed for a full recovery to health.
Daily Living Expenses: Providing support with basic needs including food, rent, and utilities for Matt and his family while navigating this temporary period without Matt’s steady source of income.
How to Donate:
Please click the "Donate Now" button to support.
We understand that finances are tight for many of us now. No amount is too small. If you cannot donate, we kindly request that you share the campaign.
We cannot thank you enough for your kindness, prayers and support.
Co-organizers (3)
Kat Messina
Organizer
Pittsburgh, PA
Matthew Gaitens
Beneficiary
William Koroskenyi
Co-organizer