Donate to Matt's Cancer Treatment Journey

To know Matt is love him – a warm and kind friend, son, husband, brother, and Dog Dad. A firefighter of close to 20 years that has given back to multiple communities, and now needs a helping hand. Here is Matt’s story, being shared with his permission;

Summary: Matt has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Seminoma Cancer, basically a testicular cancer that has spread to his lymph nodes. After receiving treatment locally near his home in Fulton County, NY he will now spend 12-14 weeks in NYC to receive high-dosage chemotherapy and stem-cell treatment and needs our help to continue his fight.

History:

Matt was originally diagnosed with testicular cancer in August 2023, undergoing surgery to remove the cancer. After months of additional testing, lots of doctor visits, a battle with sepsis, and additional scans an abscess was found and he needed intestinal reconstructive surgery. In May of 2024 a pre-operative scan found a mass behind his stomach and he was referred to his Oncologist who confirmed his cancer had returned and was in his lymph nodes. Matt’s treatment plan consisted of surgery followed by chemotherapy. On May 29th, 2024 he had intestinal reconstructive surgery, removing parts of his large and small intestines and appendix. Upon recovery from surgery Matt began receiving 12 weeks of chemo treatments. However, his follow up scan in November revealed treatment was not successful; the tumor was still active and had started to grow again.

In discussions with his Oncologist, it was recommended Matt get a second opinion and was referred to a physician in NYC at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. A new treatment plan was developed involving high dosage chemo and stem-cell replacement therapy for 12-14 weeks, which will require Matt to stay in NYC while receiving treatments. His wife Amanda will also need to stay with him as he will require 24-hour observation/care.

Matt is in really good spirits, they are staying positive. His treatment plan is solid and prognosis overall is good - but they need some help to relieve some of the financial burden and stress for many months to come. They have recently received amazing news that the American Cancer Society will be covering their housing for the initial treatment via the Hope Lodge in NYC. They arrived in NYC today (11/21/24) and plan to stay there through February.

Matt & Amanda have been fighting the good fight for over a year now using their reduced income – Matt’s disability income, Amanda’s income, and have now depleted their savings. Any dollar amount big or small will help them – and if you’re not in a financial position to help, please share and/or say a prayer and keep Matt & Amanda in your thoughts. All donations go directly to Matt as the beneficiary, less the GoFundMe standard fees. There are other ways to donate or help so please reach out as needed.