Matthew's 'F Pancreatic Cancer' Fund

I hope everyone has a 'Matthew Smith' in their lives.

Matthew Smith is my brother. He is Julieta's husband. He is Mateo, Martin & Jacob's father. He is Clifford & Mary Ann's son. He is Cliff, Monica, Mark, Joe & Steven's brother as well. But I'm the youngest sister so he's mostly MY big brother.

Matthew was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer on Friday the 29th of September, 10 days after having excruciating pain in his abdominal area. A scan here, a test there, and POOF. Pancreatic cancer. Just like that. The shock of this diagnosis for a young 50 year old -- a healthy ... like super healthy, fit man -- still has us all reeling. He just did 50 push-ups on his 50th birthday for Christ's sake! For fun.

Of all of us 7 Smith siblings, I always thought if one of us were to get the 'big thing', the 'big thing' would end up happening to me. I'm the runt of the litter, I'm the one who sneaks the cheeky 2nd (or 3rd - this is a no judging platform) glass of wine when everyone else has 1. I'm the one who will be happy to donate to the cause but skip the 5k run. This isn't supposed to happen to Matt. It's not supposed to happen to anyone. But definitely not Matty. He's too special.

We all grew up in Nutley, NJ, but Matthew moved to Seattle 18 years ago. He is a masterful architect and began his round house design business 10 years ago. (Insert proud sister bragging rights here: You should see his website -- his designs are nothing short of 'oh I want one of those!' -- dreamdesignbuild.org if you get a sec!)

Anyway, being a business owner and raising 3 boys and paying a mortgage and building your own house (while working full time) and trying to keep a business afloat during a pandemic, it all takes its financial toll. Then life balances itself out and feels certain again. And just as things begin to look up, WHAM. It must Murphy's Law running through our Irish blood.

It's too early to know exactitudes, but there is an epic insurance battle taking place to get the coverage they've been paying for. The potential for some high out of pocket costs to receive the treatment he so desperately needs is not what they should be concentrating their focus on. It's time to throw the 'GoFundMe' Hail Mary. Matty's surgery will most likely be taking place the second half of October (UPDATE - January). As well as, Matthew will not be able to work at full capacity as he overcomes the removal of this unwelcomed squatter. And his dear wife Julieta, my beautiful sister-in-law, will not leave his side. She will work as time allows around Matthew's recovery needs.

Think of the kindest person you know who tells the worst puns but decent dad jokes. Sprinkle in terrible rhythm and great athleticism. Then finish it off with the goofy smile & the twinkling eye of an old soul. That is who this is for.

Every time I've made a donation to a go fund me cause, be it for a friend, a friend of a friend or an old student, I've always wondered what it would be like to have to write this story.

It sucks.

PS - Matthew & his family are still dealing with heaps and still processing all of this. I ask if you have any messages or questions for/about Matt, please message me directly and not Matt or Julie -- their focus needs to be on this monumental battle they are facing.

PPS - Apologies to all of my past English teachers -- my mom was my proof reader.