In October of 2018, Rodney Mathews was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as Osteosarcoma. He had been dealing with hip pain for two years that doctors believed was caused by a broken hip. It turns out the pain was caused by the cancer originating in his pelvis/femur. Osteosarcoma in adults is extremely rare. This very aggressive form of cancer is treated with extremely potent and intense regimen of chemotherapy.

After being officially diagnosed with Stage 4 Osteosarcoma in October, Rodney has undergone 5 rounds of chemotherapy. The damage on his body from the chemo was so extreme that he was advised not to complete the 6th and final round of chemo.

In the last two years Rodney has undergone:

-          Hip pinning surgery
-          Total Hip Replacement
-          Radiation to stop rapid bone growth (heterotopic ossification)
-          Fluid aspiration
-          Lung Biopsy
-          Blood clot in leg/ Stent surgery
-          20 day hospital stay/rehab
-          5 rounds of chemo
-          Low blood count transfusions/hospital stays after chemo
-          Lymphedema treatments
-          Consults with University of Chicago

But all of Rodney’s hard work and perseverance is paying off, as many of the nodules in his lungs have shrunk. His doctor in Chicago has now given him the green light for a radical surgery aimed at removing the cancer from his body. Rodney will undergo a “hemipelvectomy” or partial pelvic & leg amputation. This is a major surgery and will require months of rehab in a physical therapy facility in Chicago.

His wife Mary will be splitting her time between working and travelling to Chicago to support Rodney’s recovery. With all of the fighting that Rodney has done in the last 6 months, both he and Mary have sacrificed many days of work. This awful disease has taken a major toll physically, emotionally, and financially and they are both beginning to feel the strain.

We are asking for any donation to help with this difficult and lengthy process. Donations will help Rodney and Mary offset the costs of missed work, fuel, food, parking, and of course medical expenses.

So many wonderful friends and family members have reached out with love, prayers, and support. Rodney and Mary have fought so hard in the last year and are so grateful for all the kind words and especially the prayers. If you know these two, you know that they are always the first people to offer a helping hand to friends and family in need. Now it seems it is our time to return the favor!


Your generosity is appreciated, and we cannot say thank you enough. If you have a moment, please include Rodney and Mary in your prayers.