Sept 15th, Matt called Candy and said he didn’t feel well and thought he was having a stroke, he asked for Candy to take him to the hospital. Well Matt does not complain, so Candy brought him to St Francis hospital where there were abnormal findings and they transferred him to United Hospital in St Paul for further work up… after a long weekend of tests and work up, they received the news no one could ever be prepared for… Matt has Stage 4 Lung cancer with metastasis to his brain. They met with oncology and developed a plan urgently to start treatment right away. Matt had radiation treatments to his brain on 9/25, 9/26 and 9/29. Then he had chemo 10/3 to treat the cancer in his lungs. They were processing this news while trying to maintain some “normalcy”. When 10/7 Matt was extremely nauseated and vomited all day before another ER trip to Faribault and Matt was found to have a bowel obstruction. So an NG tube was placed and he was again transferred to United Hospital for further treatments. This hospital trip they met with a surgeon who decided they were unable to do surgery due to the cancer and his weakened immune system. So no options besides a few days of NG tube, nothing by mouth. Then after a few days he was able to slowly start a full liquid diet as he graduated for at least two weeks.. so after major changes and planning. They went home and were adjusting to his new diet when this week he developed severe leg pain and you guessed it. Another trip to the hospital where he was now diagnosed with a blood clot in his leg. He is now on blood thinners and will remain on them indefinitely… now to present day… Matt is obviously unable to work at this time and Candy has had to miss multiple days of work between hospitalizations, appointments and being his caregiver things are tight- all while trying to keep Hunter successful in 10th grade and pursuing his passion for bowling. Matt and Candy also have two adult children, Bryce and Hailey.

Matt and Candy did not ask for help nor will they, we discussed a meal train- but with his diet restrictions at this time- he can’t really eat much.. so this will help them with medical bills, regular bills and anything they need to help during this time for them. If you know Candy or Matt there is nothing they would not do for anyone.. now it’s time the community steps up for them..