Matt Mulkey is facing the fight of his life—and he needs our help.

Diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, Matt’s cancer has spread throughout his body, including his bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. It carries a rare genetic mutation that renders traditional chemotherapy ineffective. He is now undergoing BOVen therapy—a newer, still-developing treatment that offers a fragile thread of hope.

Even before this diagnosis, Matt’s life has been anything but easy. He was on disability due to chronic illness, and he and his wife Mandy are the full-time caregivers for their adult son, Alex, who has autism and requires constant support.

Now, with Matt too sick to work and Mandy forced to stop working to care for both Matt and Alex, the family has no income beyond a small disability check. They are struggling just to cover the basics—rent, utilities, and groceries—while also navigating a life-threatening illness and round-the-clock caregiving.

This is a family in crisis. But Matt is not just a cancer patient or a struggling parent. He’s a veteran who served six years in the Army. He’s a fiercely loyal brother who cared for his older sibling Tim—who had bipolar disorder—through most of their adult lives, until Tim’s tragic death by suicide three years ago. He’s a devoted father, husband, and friend who has spent his life showing up for others, even when he had very little to give.

One lifelong friend said it best:

“When you are in Matt’s circle, he has your back. He sees the good in people, and better yet—he lets them know.”

Matt’s story is one of resilience and heart. He grew up in a home marked by instability and trauma. He found belonging and purpose in the military, where he rose through the ranks. He faced the unimaginable—losing a child to SIDS just months after birth—and somehow found the strength to keep going. Through divorce, loss, and hardship, he remained close with his ex-wife and committed to his kids. He was the “port in the storm” for his mother, his brother, and anyone who needed a place to land.

Who is Matt to me? Quite simply, he's one of my favorite cousins. He’s seven years older than me, and when we were kids, he was the cool cousin—the one who introduced me to Ozzy Osbourne, KISS, and Iron Maiden. He loved the grit and power of heavy metal, but underneath the badass Army vet exterior has always been one of the kindest, gentlest souls I’ve ever known.

Life took us in different directions, and we’ve never lived close enough to see each other often. But our bond has remained strong. I have always looked up to him, and I love him very much.

Right now, Matt and his family need our help—urgently. Every dollar raised will go directly to:

Keeping a roof over their heads

Covering essential utilities and food

Providing basic care while Matt undergoes treatment

Supporting Alex, their adult son with disabilities

No amount is too small. If you can’t give, please consider sharing this campaign with your friends and networks.

Let’s rally around a man who has given so much of himself to others. Let’s remind Matt and his family that they are not alone.

Please donate and share today.