Help Matt and Lee Through Matt's Battle With Glioblastoma

In June of 2024, our lives were changed forever when our dad, Matt Catalano, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and terminal form of brain cancer. He was only 57 years old, healthy, active, and in the prime of his life, having recently celebrated the birth of his first grandchild.

It began with what doctors thought was a minor stroke, but scans a few months later revealed a large tumor and a smaller satellite tumor in his right frontal lobe. He underwent a craniotomy (brain surgery) to remove the major tumor, followed by radiation of the affected area and gamma knife treatment on the satellite tumor. For a while, we had hoped the cancer might be held at bay, and the medical care team went above and beyond to create a plan that gave us the gift of an incredible year of memories. UT Football games, both home and away, the second birthday of his grandson, and countless other small moments of love shared with his family. Sadly, in September of 2025, we learned that the cancer had returned. This cancer has no further curative options, and his condition has progressed rapidly to the point he now requires full time care and supervision.

Despite Matt's illness, his employer made available all of their resources to help keep our family in a place of stability, but unfortunately, they have recently had to place him on an unpaid leave of absence. Our mom, Lee Catalano, has been his caregiver, advocate, and constant companion, managing his endless appointments, medications, insurance, paperwork, and now palliative and hospice care. She has spent her career working in education with Midland/Austin ISD, supporting students and families with the same compassion and commitment she shows at home. She is currently on FMLA and may need to leave her job entirely to care for our dad through the remainder of his life.

The financial strain has become overwhelming, and we are raising funds to help cover essential expenses during this time.

How Your Generosity Can Help

Your donations will go directly toward:

Every contribution will go toward maintaining stability, comfort, and dignity for both of our parents during this heartbreaking time.

About Matt and Lee Catalano

Matt and Lee became parents at just 19 years old. Despite being so young, they built a life rooted in love, perseverance, and determination. Matt joined the United States Air Force, serving his country with pride and inspiring others in the family to military service, receiving the “silver dollar” salute from his niece upon her graduation from the Air Force Academy.

When his service ended, he attended The University of Texas at Austin for both his undergraduate degree and law school, all while he and Lee were raising two small children. To make ends meet, he drove a school bus for Eanes ISD, building a foundation of hard work and sacrifice that shaped our family forever. After graduating, Matt began his career as an oil and gas attorney in Midland, Texas, and through years of dedication, intelligence, and integrity, he built a respected career. More importantly, he built a family that loves and adores him.

Matt has always been a shining example of fairness, loyalty, kindness, and generosity. He has a gregarious spirit that fills every room, and he never met a person he could not befriend (even Aggies!). He treats everyone with warmth and respect, and he carries a deep sense of humor and adventure. He has taught us to think logically, to be kind and loyal, and to approach the world with both strength and compassion. He has given our family so many cherished memories, and his influence runs through everything we are.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness and love.

— Brad and James Catalano