WE HAVE STOPPED TAKING DONATIONS FOR THIS CAMPAIGN.

IF YOU WISH TO MAKE A DONATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE ORGANIZER.

Written by Mindi Walker, Steve & Connie's daughter

Most everyone at RJO knows Steve and Connie Matsen. You know how much dedication and love they have for their RJO Family. So I want to thank you ahead of time for always supporting my mom and dad through their difficult times.

My dad, Steve, was diagnosed with Stage 4 RCC - Renal Cell Carcinoma (kidney cancer) in March of 2017. He has bravely fought this cancer for 5 1/2 years and wants to continue his fight. Both my mom and I think he is a true miracle. He has been through multiple hospital stays, a broken arm due to the cancer, and more than five different types of cancer treatments. He is the strongest man I know and doesn’t want to give up. He loves his family and friends so much he doesn’t want to miss out on all of our lives!

He’s so positive even when he feels awful. Along with cancer, he also lives with Parkinson’s disease. The two conditions are debilitating, but he doesn’t let them keep him down.

When my dad's arm broke, he had to have surgery, and there was a lot of nerve damage. This arm was his “good “ arm because his other arm shakes due to Parkinson’s. When this happened, my mom had to retire and stay home to take care of my dad full-time.

I’m so proud of her. She has taken excellent care of my dad and has been so strong and brave during this challenging time.

My mom and dad are two of the most kind, loving, caring, and giving souls you will ever meet. They would give you their last penny if they had to.

That all being said, my dad has not worked for many years, and my mom had to retire early. So money is extremely tight due to medical bills, gas mileage going back and forth to doctor's appointments to Des Moines and the Mayo Clinic, hotel stays, etc.

They would never ask for anything. So when I was asked if it would be ok if RJO would do a benefit for them, I thought, oh goodness, what do I say?? Then I thought, they deserve it! They have given so much to so many people and could benefit significantly from the generosity of the RJO family.

Connie Matsen worked at RJO for 21 years, acting as the RJO Antwerp Coordinator and Host, Data Entry Specialist, and was an integral part of the RJO Buying Show Team. Steve also served as an Antwerp Host and worked on the RJO Buying Show Team for many years. (You could always see them in their lederhosen hosting the RJO Overseas Reception!)

Connie and Steve were incredibly passionate about RJO and made many lifelong friends through the group. They are greatly missed in the RJO community, and the RJO staff loves when they stop into the RJO office to say hello and give hugs!