Matt & Jill (Schumacher) Irving

Matt and Jill had been foster parents for six years. After fostering 13 children, they found out in February 2016, that they would be able to adopt their first child. On that same day, Matt was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. A PET scan later revealed that while the tumor had not spread to nearby lymph nodes, the disease had metastasized to his liver. At the same time their son joined their family, Matt began four months of chemotherapy. In June, an eleven hour surgery was performed to remove tumors in both the colon and the liver. To allow for proper healing, a colostomy was performed. After six months of chemotherapy and time for healing, Matt again had surgery to reverse the colostomy. 

Six months later, routine testing in February 2017 showed no signs of cancer. At that same time, their son's adoption became final.

At Matt's next check up in November of 2017 signs indicated cancer had returned. Tests confirmed a spot on his liver and a suspicious shadow in his lung. In Jan. 2018, surgeons removed the liver tumor. At a follow up visit, doctors then confirmed that the shadow in his lung had grown and following a biopsy it was confirmed the spot was also cancerous. Matt is now beginning his third battle with this devastating disease, which will once again include chemotherapy and a possible surgery.

Since his first diagnosis, Matt has been unable to work due to the debilitating effects of treatment. While several foundations have been of great help,  having only one income has put a tremendous strain on the family's finances. Matt continues to receive excellent care at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor (250 miles round trip) and here in Mt. Pleasant. While the prognosis is fair, treatment will continue indefinitely.

Our hope is that together with the generosity of friends and family, we can support Matt, Jill and Keanon through this crisis. 

Thank you.