Matthew Davidson, also known as Matty D. and “Chingy” to some, is truly one of a kind. His dad, Joel Davidson, and his sisters Sammy Spencer and Courtney (Coco) Spencer, need your support to get our Matty additional treatment to fight his cancer. We do not ask lightly, but we also know that many people love Matty and are eager to join our fight.

In June 2021, Matthew was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma after two months of tests and 2nd opinions. Difficult to diagnose, his BRAF mutated Melanoma was confirmed in July 2021, and we sought treatment from one of the top Melanoma oncologists at one of the best cancer centers in the world at The Angeles Clinic at Cedars Sinai. With strength and positivity, Matty endured multiple visits to the clinic each week. His various treatments began August 2nd with an arduous Clinical Trial that simply did not work for him. Changing course, in October 2021, he began infusion therapy of a combination of the drugs BRAFtovi and MEKtovi, which is now considered the most effective in treating Melanoma. And it was effective for a few months.

Although we still visited the clinics sometimes as often as three or four times weekly, Matty was getting better and feeling better. He patiently endured hundreds of blood tests, dozens of PET Scans, CT Scans, biopsies, infusions, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and countless appointments with doctors and hours spent in their waiting rooms.

Feeling adventurous and capable, Joel and Matthew booked a last-minute trip to Alaska in March 2022. They saw the Northern Lights, hiked through glaciers, and went dog sledding. It is a trip that neither of them will ever forget.

Unfortunately, in May 2022, we learned the cancer is spreading, and it has continued to progress despite all efforts, including multiple rounds of chemotherapy. Today I write to you because we need to act quickly. The conventional treatment available to him is no longer working; it is up to us now to seek alternative therapies and treatments around the country to continue this fight. And we intend to do so with all of our power.

This is where you come in - while plans are not yet final, we have viable options that will require significant out-of-pocket expenses that we can’t shoulder alone. We have already begun the consultation and testing processes for some of these treatment facilities and hospitals, and we need to be prepared to make a decision. Soon. To do so confidently and without the burden of worrying about cost, we are proactively starting this fund.

Upcoming costs will include:

The estimated out-of-pocket bill will reach $400,000 in the next six months; so, it is with humility and hope that we ask you to contribute to help us reach this lofty, but worthy goal.

We intend to raise as much money as possible upfront so that we are not concerned about payment while making these serious medical decisions. However, we also recognize that it is a big ask. Please contribute what you can now, knowing that you can contribute incrementally in the coming weeks and months, and if your money is not used, it will be returned in good faith.

Matthew is a special human being, and I say this not just because I’m his sister. Matty's magnetism, intelligence, kindness, and love are tangible. A few months ago, at his 25th birthday party, Matty’s friends from preschool, high school, college, and more all showed up. Hundreds of smiling faces were there to celebrate their friend and be a part of his magic, and the energy was contagious. Matty can be himself while connecting to every walk of life. His gravitational pull is why you’re reading this.

Collectively, Matthew’s family and friends cast a wide net, but please help cast it wider and share his story. Our family is forever grateful for your love and support.

We love you, too.

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