Celebrating Matt Heeren's Life
Donation protected
Matt Heeren was taken from his friends and family way too early, but not without a fight. On October 12th, 2015, Matt lost his 2 and a half year battle with esophageal cancer, leaving behind his beloved wife Becky and their wonderful young daughter Quinn. Matt’s family and friends are all quick to share stories of how they were inspired by his strength and determination during his treatment, and we were all in awe of how he continued to live his life, to love his family, and to support and encourage his community no matter how beaten up his illness and treatment made him feel. Matt’s quick wit and positive attitude quickly overshadowed any pain or suffering he was going through, and he never let cancer define him as a person.
Matt was an active member in a local car community; The Iowa Subaru club, and never gave up on his hobbies of working on cars, racing, and helping others while always being quick to dish out moral support and comic relief. Matt had a strong circle of friends at The Des Moines register, where he continued to work as his energy levels would allow. Matt loved to help his friends with their hobbies and had a voracious appetite for learning. Whether it was 3D printing, photography, or comparing the latest computer equipment, Matt was always one to push himself and those around him toward greatness. Even a mere 8 days before his passing, Matt participated in a charity road rally where his team’s theme (Breaking Bad) brought humor to those around him without ever allowing our focus to be lost on his suffering. Matt was perseverance personified.
Because Matt has given us so much, we want his legacy to include financial peace for his family. We’d like to wipe out his medical bills, help cover the cost of his final arrangements, and if at all possible we’d like to put any remaining funds into a 529 college savings plan for Quinn. While this page was initiated by his friends in the Iowa Subaru Club, we encourage anyone who was touched by Matt’s fight to help with the cause. Our gratitude for helping Matt’s family will live on forever, just as our love for Matt and our respect for his spirit will know no end.
Matt was an active member in a local car community; The Iowa Subaru club, and never gave up on his hobbies of working on cars, racing, and helping others while always being quick to dish out moral support and comic relief. Matt had a strong circle of friends at The Des Moines register, where he continued to work as his energy levels would allow. Matt loved to help his friends with their hobbies and had a voracious appetite for learning. Whether it was 3D printing, photography, or comparing the latest computer equipment, Matt was always one to push himself and those around him toward greatness. Even a mere 8 days before his passing, Matt participated in a charity road rally where his team’s theme (Breaking Bad) brought humor to those around him without ever allowing our focus to be lost on his suffering. Matt was perseverance personified.
Because Matt has given us so much, we want his legacy to include financial peace for his family. We’d like to wipe out his medical bills, help cover the cost of his final arrangements, and if at all possible we’d like to put any remaining funds into a 529 college savings plan for Quinn. While this page was initiated by his friends in the Iowa Subaru Club, we encourage anyone who was touched by Matt’s fight to help with the cause. Our gratitude for helping Matt’s family will live on forever, just as our love for Matt and our respect for his spirit will know no end.
Organizer
Bill Morton
Organizer
Des Moines, IA