Matt- Making Waves Fighting Testicular Cancer!

Last fall 2019, Matt Wilcox was in his first semester at the University of Utah excited to start on the path to become an engineer and even more excited to be a competitor on the university’s swim team.  His goal: to pass classes and qualify to compete at Olympic Trials this summer. It was an awesome launch into adulthood that unfortunately lasted only a few weeks before crashing down when he was told that he had Testicular Cancer.  The treatment required was immediate surgery. The surgery was a success but Matt’s life was turned upside down. Due to the healing process he was unable to train and swim setting back his swim goals. He struggled to keep up in classes, but fought hard and passed them all!  There was hope for a fresh start after the Christmas break, but during the first week of spring semester a follow up blood test showed the cancer had spread into his body and he would need further treatment. Chemotherapy was the only option. With lots of tears, stress, fear and a heavy heart he packed up, took a leave from school and moved home to California for treatment.  

This is by far the hardest thing Matt has ever experienced.  There is a lot of physical pain during cancer treatment, but there is also a lot of fear, emotional/mental struggle and loneliness after a cancer diagnosis.   Doctors have assured him that testicular cancer is the “good” cancer because it’s known to be curable, and he is grateful for that, but the cancer journey doesn’t end when treatment is over.  Once Matt is healthy he plans to return to Utah for school and swimming and he plans to actively support awareness efforts for  testicular cancer, men’s health and mental health, especially in the young adult community.   

All proceeds will go toward Matt’s medical bills and expenses associated with treatment, including transportation costs, meals and, when it’s necessary to stay near the hospital, hotels. The hospital is approximately 90 minutes away. 

Updates will be posted on this page periodically by Matthew's mom, Kristen Wilcox.