For those who have had the good fortune of crossing paths with Matt Riker, all would agree he possess a special quality rarely found today.  The size of his heart can be easily seen through the tireless work he does to support his local community, youth and friends in need.  Never one to be seen without a smile on his face, Matt Riker radiates positivity, generosity, kindness and a determination to leave this world a better place than he found it.  Always the first to raise his hand to help others in need, most would agree Matt is nothing short of a modern-day hero.

Now Matt and Lisa, his wife of 25 years, need our help.


In late October Matt was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain, originally thought to be caused by pancreatitis. Later the doctors determined that the pain and inflammation was caused by something much worse; pancreatic cancer.  While most would allow this devastating diagnosis to break them, Matt was determined not to allow the cancer to deter him from helping others. 

Prior to his diagnosis, Matt had been planning a seven-mile run with several of his friends in effort to collect canned goods for the Franklin Community Center food pantry.  With his doctors ok, he set forth to continue his mission. As true testament to his character, the community rallied behind him. The run he planned with a half dozen of his friends grew to over 200 runners in less than a week while online donations to the center started to pour in.  While cancer ultimately robbed Matt of the ability to complete the run with his friends, it didn’t stop him from continuing to support his community.  With Matt’s leads, over $30,000 was raised for the Franklin Community Center in less than a month.



Since then, Matt’s condition has worsened and his diagnosis was deemed untreatable.  His struggle with pain has put him in the hospital nearly a dozen times in the last 35 days. Through it all, his wife Lisa has stood diligently by his side at hospitals in Massachusetts, Alabama and New York.  With Matt unable to work and insurance coverage running out, the medicals bills and additional costs continue to rise; causing additional stress during an already uncertain time.

Now more than ever, Matt and Lisa need the compassion and support of their community in effort to make the next few months easier to bear. 

Many of you have expressed wanting to donate or help in some way.  If this is the avenue you choose, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Our family appreciates your outpouring of love and sympathy during this difficult time.

Lastly, if you know Matt, or your life has been touched by someone like him, please consider following his lead by offering more gratitude, acceptance and kindness toward others.