The little blond boy on the left was Evan Matznick. He was a dynamo of energy; the type of kid you mentally picture when you think “four year old boy”. He died, this Sunday, March 5th. His father, Jason, and I met at work, just after the birth of their first son, Tristan. Jason and I became fast friends, and in June 2012, Jason and Marcie had their second son, Evan. Their family grew again, less than 5 months ago, when their first daughter, Jocelyn, was born.


On February 25, 2017, Evan was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. On February 26th, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. On March 5th, he passed away from his illness. His parents, friends, and family, had barely a week to process before he was gone. He was just 4 years old, loved Batman and Spiderman, and would have started school this fall.


In the wake of this tragedy, the Matznicks, Jason, Marcie, Tristan, and Jocelyn, will have significant unplanned costs to the hospital and mortuary. Unfortunately Marcie may lose her job as her family medical leave was recently nearly exhausted when their baby girl, Jocelyn, was born. This will place additional financial stress on the Matznicks at a time when they are already stretched thin.

Donations of any amount, large or small, are deeply appreciated, and will help this family move forward with their lives. No one should have to bury a child, but I’d like your help in making sure that the Matznicks have one less thing to worry about as they seek peace with all this. Donations will go directly to the Matznick family to help keep as much normalcy in their lives as is possible during such a difficult time.