Help Matthew On His Final Journey

Hi, my name is Maura and I am fundraising for my son Matthew Strong. Twice in the past year, Matthew has had to fight testicular cancer.

February 14, 2023, Matthew presented to the emergency room for an enlarged testicle and severe low back and hip pain. During the course of his ER visit they did scans and labs which showed he had testicular cancer. The urologist on call was contacted and Matthew was seen in her office immediately. Within days he was scheduled for surgery and had his testicle removed and began a cycle of chemotherapy.

Less than a year later, Matthew began having hip and leg pain that rapidly became debilitating. His primary doctor referred him back to urology. Scans and tests that were ordered showed his cancer, non semioa, had metastasized to his hip and to his lungs. It was decided Matthew would need several cycles of chemotherapy which would entail 6 days in the hospital, two weeks at home, to receive chemotherapy and mesna which will prevent hemorrhagic cystitis due to the chemotherapy side effects. Matthew was also referred to orthopedics because the CT scan showed he was high risk for hip fracture. The orthopedic team decided he needed an emergency hip replacement due to the fracture risk prior to starting his chemotherapy cycles. At the time of surgery, the surgeon decided a hip replacement would take too long for the bone to heal and Matthew needed to start chemotherapy right away. Instead, they stabilized his hip with a rod and pins. This took place on March 1, 2024, and Matthew stayed in patient in the hospital to start his first cycle of chemotherapy on March 4, 2024. The orthopedic surgeon decided the hip replacement would be completed later after chemotherapy and possible radiation was complete.

Matthew is unable to work due to the chemotherapy cycles that he is scheduled to complete. He is on his second cycle now and has 4-6 cycles to complete. Matthew has applied for disability but was informed it would take 6-7 months for a decision. Although most of his medical costs are covered, his living expenses are not.

Matthew has faced this battle with grace, strength and a great attitude. Cancer is expensive and has wiped out his savings. He is in need of support for his living expenses; rent, utilities, transportation costs, medication that is not covered by insurance, and groceries.

We are hoping for support until state disability has made their decision. We would be thankful for any support and prayers you can contribute. No amount is too small.

Thank you!!