Hi friends,

My name is Luke and big Matty is one of my longest standing mates. He's an all round great guy who has been there for our friend circle at all times, so I feel compelled to help him out in some way now that the medical world has nothing left to offer.

Matt stands out in a crowd, literally. As a child he was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome and has had to overcome countless obstacles as his body grew at an accelerated rate to a height of 7'2" - Sadly over the years Matt's internal makeup hasn't been able to handle the pressure of this battle. Brain, liver and multiple open heart surgeries aside (and extensive complications each time), he is now left with severe Heart Failure at the age of 34. Recently his body hasn't been able to fight a chronic infection and this has led to Matt being rejected for a heart transplant.

So what is it like to be told that your last chance at survival is gone?

Well living with only 20% heart function, it's anywhere from a few months to 4 years...

Matt has grown up with unknowns and always challenged them, but unfortunately his quality of life will deteriorate further in this next period and he's out of options. He is a stubborn bastard so hopefully lives longer, yet it's not going to be fun as time progresses.

Yet somehow Matt remains optimistic to just carry on each day, so I think we could help to make sure that each day is a little more valuable to him...

Matt hasn't been able to work properly since 2018 due to his illness and time in hospitals. He would never ask his family for help for fear of it appearing selfish after all the years of medical expenses they continue to cover.

Therefore I am starting this page to raise some funds as a gift for Matt to give him a small opportunity. I know from our discussions that he would really love to see some interstate friends, parts of Australia, or a holiday with his nieces that he adores - while his body can still tolerate it... but he obviously can't afford it.

How cool if he was able to start living some experiences ASAP!

If you were able to just forfeit one round of drinks or that next meaningless online purchase, he could use that money to purchase a flight or rent a car once interstate, allowing valuable experiences for him to live out when making memories or reconnecting with people in his life.

Now I can't sugar-coat his condition, time is not exactly on his side and I think he needs to start moving to see some people and places over the next 6 months.

Matt can get extremely tired from his reduced blood flow and can only walk short distances some days. He still has aneurysms and dissecting arteries which can no longer be operated on, septic arthritis of the spine which causes immense pain, and has ongoing episodes where his heart goes into life threatening arrhythmias...but he can manage most of this by taking precautions, medication and listening to his body. It's worth the risk to share meals and conversations with his nieces and family, old and new friends, and I think that's far better than he could imagine if he were to just sit at home and wait for more bad news.

Matt will obviously need some help to accompany him at times and friends and family have already offered to do this from their own finances, so please know your contribution would simply help Matt get to a few places and see new things and enjoy a part of this beautiful country rather than the inside of another hospital.

Anyone interested would be able to meet him at locations if you need to give yourself a break too!

I've tried to offer a simple breakdown of how he may be able to use any funds we raise, given Matt will probably need to return home between some travel for medical appointments, procedures or check ups;

$3k: Flight + a few days around Melbourne or Brisbane with nieces

Up to $10k - Melbourne (& surrounds) + Adelaide

If we exceeded our goals;

$11k - $15k - The above + Hobart

$16 - $30k - Flights + van rental in WA or Northern Territory to include time exploring + visiting attractions (subject to health & proximity to medicap facilities)

If you want any further information or think you can assist in other ways, please reach out to me.

Thanks for reading this far and hopefully giving with a little of your heart...to a gentle giant that has had his taken away (again).

Cheers,

Luke.