Matt Sharrow's Spina Bifida Journey ~ Upcoming Surgeries

I am reaching out today on behalf of the Sharrow family, especially Matt.

Matthew, age 19, is the son of Joe & Missy Sharrow. He has two siblings, Hannah & Ryan.

Matthew was born with Spina Bifida, and has overcome many obstacles in his lifetime. He has undergone 17 major surgeries, with the first at only 3 months old. Over the past two years, Matt has gone through 9 minor surgeries & procedures.

Matt has recently encountered some pretty significant setbacks & serious health issues which has required numerous visits to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, and most recently to Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

In March, 2024, it was discovered that 2/3 of Matt's intestines were no longer working properly, requiring another surgery. An ileostomy is being scheduled within the next few months. (The ileostomy will allow intestinal waste to pass through a small surgical opening called a stoma, which will then enter a collection system on the outside.) This procedure will take place at the Cleveland Clinic, & will require additional trips & appointments as Matt recovers.

Once Matt has fully recovered from the ileostomy, the process will begin to schedule a date for him to undergo an amputation of his right ankle/lower leg. This surgery will be done in Pittsburgh, with a 6-8 week recover period. Matt will then be scheduled for rehab & be fitted with a prosthetic.

Although I have Missy for years, I was unaware of the daily struggles that both Matt & his family face each day. As I sit here today, 7/30/24, with Missy & Hannah, I found out that there is so much more to Matt's story than meets the eye. In addition to the physical challenges that Matt encounters on a daily basis, he also struggles with chronic pain & depression. He also takes 19 meds daily.

I recently had a brief conversation with Missy via FB Messenger, after I had seen her family at a local fair, & mentioned that I had missed seeing her. She shared that she was working that night, to which I jokingly commented that "work was overrated". It was then that she shared the need to work & set money aside for "Matt's two very big upcoming surgeries". She also stated that "when the time comes, we will need extra prayers", to which I reassured her that I would be praying.

God immediately prompted me to ask if anyone had plans of hosting any sort of fundraiser for them, to which Missy replied, "no". At that moment, God laid it on my heart to be that someone to do what I could to help them out. Missy remarked several times that she is "not one to ask for money or help", so I encouraged her to speak with her family & think it over. Missy reached out to me this morning, 7/30/24, that they graciously accepted my offer, & wanted to move forward with the fundraiser, so here we are...

I am honored to be able to share this family's story & ask that you do the same. Please join me in lifting Matt, Joe, Missy, Hannah, & Ryan in your prayers, as only God knows their needs.

All money raised will go directly to Matt & his family. It will be uses to cover traveling expenses, food, lodging, meds & supplies not covered by their two insurances, any uncovered medical bills, & to cover Missy's loss of income while she takes time off to support Matt.

If you are able to donate, please do so. All donations are greatly appreciated.

I would also ask that everyone share the link to this GoFundMe account to share Matt's story.