Matt is a proud veteran, loving husband, and devoted father of three — Hunter (14), Bella (13), and Jax (11). He served our country honorably with three years of active duty and three years in the Reserves, and later spent time in the Middle East as a private contractor with Triple Canopy. After returning home, Matt chose a new path of service by becoming a registered nurse at age 35, dedicating his life to caring for others.

In 2018, shortly after moving to Kansas City, Matt learned that he had a tumor on his brain stem. After an MRI and neurosurgical evaluation, doctors determined the mass was encapsulated and could be monitored without immediate surgery.

Fast forward to September 2025. Now living in Helena, Montana, Matt began experiencing debilitating nausea, dizziness, and severe migraines—far worse than his usual headaches. A CT scan at the Ft. Harrison VA Emergency Department revealed that his brain tumor had doubled in size and was expanding. He was referred to Neurosurgery at the University of Utah (U of U), but as he waited for his appointment, his condition quickly worsened.

On October 1st, Matt was rushed back to the VA after several days of intense nausea and dizziness. That same evening, he was airlifted by Life Flight to the University of Utah Neuro Acute Care Unit. The neurosurgical team determined that the tumor was dangerously close to blocking the flow of spinal fluid—an immediately life-threatening condition—and surgery could not wait.

On October 6th, Matt underwent a nine-hour brain surgery to remove the tumor. He spent three days in the ICU and two days in the step-down unit before beginning rehabilitation at the Craig Nielsen Rehab Center.

Matt’s recovery has been extremely challenging. He currently cannot walk, transfer, or complete daily activities without maximum assistance. He experiences slurred speech, double vision, and complete numbness on the right side of his body—his dominant side. For someone who has always been active and outdoorsy, enjoying hunting, fishing, and paintball, this has been an especially difficult adjustment.

Shelly, his wife, has been tirelessly caring for their family—working part-time, managing the household, and making the seven-hour drive between Helena and Salt Lake City to be by Matt’s side. Thankfully, Shelly’s mom has been helping with the kids, but the family is facing major financial hardship. Matt is out of work indefinitely, and his paid leave has been exhausted. It is uncertain if he will be able to return to work as a nurse.

This GoFundMe has been created to help Matt and his family with living expenses, travel costs, and medical bills during this incredibly difficult time.

If you’re able, please consider donating to help them keep their home, cover basic expenses, and ease some of the financial burden so Matt can focus fully on his recovery.

Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and support for this amazing family. ❤️