<div>Meatball as many of you know him, went to the ER on December 22, 2023, because his lower right abdomen was protruding. A CT scan was performed and they saw some thickening of his right kidney. That wasn’t even brought up after they saw a huge mass on his spine. They immediately said it was cancerous and he wasn't going anywhere. Hearing the words “cancer” so quickly, came as a shock that we were not prepared to hear. Four days later, the day after Christmas, he had emergency spinal surgery to remove it. 
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<div>The tumor was sent to pathology to find out where it metastasized from. When pathology finally came back, he was diagnosed with Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Cancer - Which is a rare form of thyroid cancer. Only about 5% of thyroid cancer diagnoses. The Dana Farber oncologist said “ I have only seen this once in my 20 years” no one wants to hear cancer and especially one that is rare. 
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<div>Matt is scheduled for a thyroidectomy on February 21. They will do genetic testing on the tumor to see if he will respond to more commonly diagnosed thyroid cancer treatments. PDTC is tricky - We are praying for some positive news and that he will be a candidate. 
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<div>Matt - Meatball, Meats, or just plain ball, if you prefer, could use your support during this difficult time. He is unable to work, medical bills have already started piling up, he has not fully healed from his spinal surgery, and is heading into another surgery in a couple of weeks. We are hoping he can get back to work at some point but for right now, if we can relieve one worry for him, he would be very grateful.
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<div>His battle is in its infancy stage. There is still more testing to be done, to see if this nasty disease is anywhere else in his body. 
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<div>Your generosity and kindness is all appreciated at this time, whether it’s through donations, prayers, or sending healthy loving vibes. 
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<div>Those of you who know “Meatball” know why that’s his nickname and don’t need an explanation. Those of you who don’t, let’s just say he’d do anything to put a smile on your face and I mean anything. Here is an example - Right before being rolled down for major spinal surgery, he asked me to take a picture of him. This entailed him in his hospital gown, bending over, with his backside and other bits hanging out. “Send that to my friends” If you didn’t receive the image you’re welcome. If you did, I apologize. He made me do it and how could I say no ..
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<div>Thank you for all of your love and support ❤️
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Michelle C

Anonymous

Michael Mcdevitt

Josh Banville

Andrea Stephen

Nancy and Ed DiRocco

Peter Govoni

Alison Westberg

anna costa

Geraldine Brown

Adele and Bobby Centola

Plymouth Fire Relief Association

James Pomroy

Suzanne Soucie

Benjamin Lescarbeau

Thomas Walsh

Jennifer Darling

Nancy Marks

Matthew Crone “MEATBALL” Rare Thyroid Cancer-PDTC

Matthew Crone “MEATBALL” Rare Thyroid Cancer-PDTC

Still $30,260 to go. Help us build momentum.