Matt's Medical Care
Donation protected
Three weeks ago, our Matt came down with excruciating lower back and legs pain that we thought was his sciatica flaring up as it did 7 years prior. After no relief or improvement of his worsening symptoms, and a few trips to the ER, his chiropractor sent him for an MRI which showed a 2-inch long tumor at the base of Matt's spine. A week after finding the tumor, another MRI at the Daytona Beach VA clinic confirmed that Matt has a rare genetic tumor, called myxopapillary ependymoma, that spans 2 lumbar spaces and will require surgery. Upon diagnosis, Matt's doctor at the Daytona Beach VA center told Matt and Lori to head to the Gainesville VA hospital's ER immediately to see a neurosurgeon.
Matt has been admitted to the Gainesville VA hospital where a third MRI has been done that proved the tumor has not spread which cleared him for surgery. This tumor is almost always not cancer, but they will still test it after surgery. One of the biggest struggles is trying to keep Matt's pain under control.
Currently, we are waiting for transfer to Shands hospital, which is where Matt's surgery will take place since the VA hospital is not equipped to handle the surgery Matt needs.
We do not yet know much about the actual surgery that Matt needs, nor what will happen post surgery, but we will find that out soon when we see the nuerosurgery team at Shands. We do know, however, that there will be about a week of recovery time after surgery and then extensive rehab to follow.
So far, Matt and Lori have both been out of work for 3 weeks and are looking at another few weeks here in Gainesville. This GoFundMe page is intended to help them with the costs that come along with being out of work, along with lodging, food, etc.
Anything and everything, including prayers and well-wishes, are greatly appreciated for the long road ahead.
Those who know Matt will be glad to know that his positive attitude and witty sense of humor have not been lost. He is always making the nurses giggle and making friends of others admitted on the floor.
Pictured is Matt's very good friend, Slick, his IV pole. They do everything together.
Also is a picture of Matt's tumor, appropriately named "Pain in the Ass."
I will update as I can and thank you all in advance for your help.
Caitlin


Matt has been admitted to the Gainesville VA hospital where a third MRI has been done that proved the tumor has not spread which cleared him for surgery. This tumor is almost always not cancer, but they will still test it after surgery. One of the biggest struggles is trying to keep Matt's pain under control.
Currently, we are waiting for transfer to Shands hospital, which is where Matt's surgery will take place since the VA hospital is not equipped to handle the surgery Matt needs.
We do not yet know much about the actual surgery that Matt needs, nor what will happen post surgery, but we will find that out soon when we see the nuerosurgery team at Shands. We do know, however, that there will be about a week of recovery time after surgery and then extensive rehab to follow.
So far, Matt and Lori have both been out of work for 3 weeks and are looking at another few weeks here in Gainesville. This GoFundMe page is intended to help them with the costs that come along with being out of work, along with lodging, food, etc.
Anything and everything, including prayers and well-wishes, are greatly appreciated for the long road ahead.
Those who know Matt will be glad to know that his positive attitude and witty sense of humor have not been lost. He is always making the nurses giggle and making friends of others admitted on the floor.
Pictured is Matt's very good friend, Slick, his IV pole. They do everything together.
Also is a picture of Matt's tumor, appropriately named "Pain in the Ass."
I will update as I can and thank you all in advance for your help.
Caitlin
Organizer and beneficiary
Caitlin Marie
Organizer
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Lori Wolfe
Beneficiary
