Fight Like Zupan
Donation protected
A short 13 months ago we received the below email from Matt Zupan that sent a wave of shock through everyone:
Some of you may have noticed that I haven’t been around for the last few days. I’ve been in the hospital undergoing an extensive array of tests. To keep the story short, about a month ago, I began experiencing a decrease in my appetite (even for Patsy’s chicken sandwiches!). I knew that this wasn’t right, so I made an appointment with my PCP for Wednesday. He ordered some blood tests, which showed some abnormalities. This prompted him to order me to the Jefferson Hospital ER on Wednesday night. After a couple days of tests (some none too pleasant), the verdict came through on Friday afternoon. I have been transferred to West Penn Hospital to start treatment for AML Leukemia. The doctors here are aiming for cure, not just remission. This will eventually result in a stem cell transplant. But we are a long way from that at this point. My initial stay here will be for 30 days to undergo chemo and to deal with the effects. My age and overall good health will work to my advantage. I have a strong religious faith and an unbelievable network of family and friends to help me through this. I’m taking this on with everything that I have.
Over the past year, Matt has gone through extensive Chemo, some very uncomfortable tests, one stem cell transplant that didn’t take, long stays at the hospital and holidays away from his family. Being able to keep in contact with all of us, his friends and family had helped keep Matt happy, strong and positive.
When we first found out about Matt, everyone was so amazing and sent in notes that were added to a leather notebook. Matt takes this book with him to each treatment and hospital stay.
After some ups and downs, he was given news a few short weeks ago about possible experimental options to help destroy the AML, so he can do another stem cell transplant. This possibility took him and his wife to Houston to meet with doctors and staff for a full evaluation. After getting back home, he received an exciting call, that he appears to be eligible for 4 or 5 different options! However, he’d have to move to Houston Texas for at least 30 days.
With a positive outlook, he packed his bags and is now a temporary Houston resident. When he arrived, his numbers weren’t where the Dr. wanted them, so they set up another round of Chemo to get his numbers down before they could start the experimental options, but through all of this, he’s still remained very positive. Before they could start the chemo, they did some tests to make sure he was healthy to start and they found fluid in his lungs. Matt is now admitted to the hospital and being treated for pneumonia.
The reason we’ve set up the Go Fund Me page, is to help raise money for his extra expenses staying in a city alone, but mostly to help pay for Laura and Jeff’s ticket to Houston to see Matt over Mother’s Day Weekend.
During this time, the health of Matt is always the number one concern and weighs heavy on Laura, Jeff and his whole family’s hearts. So, let’s help them out and take the weight of the financial burden off a little bit.

Some of you may have noticed that I haven’t been around for the last few days. I’ve been in the hospital undergoing an extensive array of tests. To keep the story short, about a month ago, I began experiencing a decrease in my appetite (even for Patsy’s chicken sandwiches!). I knew that this wasn’t right, so I made an appointment with my PCP for Wednesday. He ordered some blood tests, which showed some abnormalities. This prompted him to order me to the Jefferson Hospital ER on Wednesday night. After a couple days of tests (some none too pleasant), the verdict came through on Friday afternoon. I have been transferred to West Penn Hospital to start treatment for AML Leukemia. The doctors here are aiming for cure, not just remission. This will eventually result in a stem cell transplant. But we are a long way from that at this point. My initial stay here will be for 30 days to undergo chemo and to deal with the effects. My age and overall good health will work to my advantage. I have a strong religious faith and an unbelievable network of family and friends to help me through this. I’m taking this on with everything that I have.
Over the past year, Matt has gone through extensive Chemo, some very uncomfortable tests, one stem cell transplant that didn’t take, long stays at the hospital and holidays away from his family. Being able to keep in contact with all of us, his friends and family had helped keep Matt happy, strong and positive.
When we first found out about Matt, everyone was so amazing and sent in notes that were added to a leather notebook. Matt takes this book with him to each treatment and hospital stay.
After some ups and downs, he was given news a few short weeks ago about possible experimental options to help destroy the AML, so he can do another stem cell transplant. This possibility took him and his wife to Houston to meet with doctors and staff for a full evaluation. After getting back home, he received an exciting call, that he appears to be eligible for 4 or 5 different options! However, he’d have to move to Houston Texas for at least 30 days.
With a positive outlook, he packed his bags and is now a temporary Houston resident. When he arrived, his numbers weren’t where the Dr. wanted them, so they set up another round of Chemo to get his numbers down before they could start the experimental options, but through all of this, he’s still remained very positive. Before they could start the chemo, they did some tests to make sure he was healthy to start and they found fluid in his lungs. Matt is now admitted to the hospital and being treated for pneumonia.
The reason we’ve set up the Go Fund Me page, is to help raise money for his extra expenses staying in a city alone, but mostly to help pay for Laura and Jeff’s ticket to Houston to see Matt over Mother’s Day Weekend.
During this time, the health of Matt is always the number one concern and weighs heavy on Laura, Jeff and his whole family’s hearts. So, let’s help them out and take the weight of the financial burden off a little bit.
Organizer
Jennifer McMeans
Organizer
New Kensington, PA