No one fights alone-Matt Burg

Its no secret Matt has been going through a few tough years after being diagnosed with melanoma back in 2010.  He’s battled through various treatments, numerous surgeries and countless trips to the Mayo Clinic with Carissa and his family close by his side.  Recently Matt’s condition has progressed to require him to take some time off work and start chemotherapy as he continues to fight this disease (stage 4).   Cancer is a tough SOB but we all know Matt isn’t the type of person to back down from a challenge.   He seems to take it all in stride like it’s just another day, and I haven’t seen him where he can’t muster a smile and talk openly about his cancer or any topic regardless of his health.  I’ve known Matt going on 20 years now, some people less than that, and many of you reading this much longer.  Those that know Matt well know he is no-nonsense kind of guy, a guy who always willing to share a good time, lots of laughs, a card game, golf outing, or some kind of outdoor sporting event.  Matt has a wonderful ability to find a common bond and create relationships and friendships with just about anyone, as evidenced by the large amount of people who consider Matt a friend. But Matt is not just a friend to many of the people he’s crossed paths with; he’s a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, husband, and father.  Matt and Carissa are mostly private people when it comes to personal stuff; reluctant to ask for help, and generally unwilling to show need or even the slightest vulnerability. 

A few of us have decided now is a great time to reach out to those that know and love him and unite us together to take action.  I find myself (as I’m sure many others do) wanting to know what can I do to help.  While none of us probably can put in a dent in any of the Burgs’ medical bills, there are avenues that I think the Burgs would be receptive to accepting our help and support without it feeling like charity.  A site has been created for Matt and his family through GoFundMe.com and hopefully it is an easy way to give whatever you feel you can as well as get updates on his condition.  Our hope is not to fund Burg’s retirement fund, buy him a new car, or even cover all of his medical expenses.  The hope is that this money can be used for the everyday things in their life; travel related expenses to Rochester and other clinics, food programs to make meal times easier and healthier during recovery, childcare expenses when needed, and I’m sure we can all think of dozens of other thing that for the Burg family are not always on the forefront of their daily routines. 

If you are unable to help with a donation, you can still make a positive contribution.   While Matt and Carissa are obviously able-bodied and have lots of family support, there is plenty of opportunity to be present and chip in doing little things.  Offer to bring over meals, meet them for dinner, help out with house chores, take Cenna for a playdate, or even just send him a note via the GoFundMe site or Facebook.  Often times these are the easiest types of things to do and they mean the most, you just need to reach out and do it.   

Please continue to keep Matt and his family in your thoughts and prayers; I know they all appreciate it.