The Keener Family Support Fund
Donation protected
As many of you are aware, my sister Lori Keener had to shockingly and unexpectedly say goodbye to her beloved husband Matt on Christmas Eve after a tragic medical emergency affected their family.
On December 23rd, Lori and Matt were having a wonderful day together preparing for Ryan’s first Christmas. Matt surprised Lori with a new cell phone, which she had eagerly wanted for a while. The pride Matt had when surprising Lori was can't be described. Afterward, they went out to lunch and late into it Matt suddenly felt ill. He told Lori he needed to step away and unfortunately never returned back to her. He was transported to St. Clair Hospital for initial evaluation and eventually life-flighted to Allegheny General Hospital. When Lori and I arrived at AGH, we learned that Matt suffered a catastrophic brain bleed, there was nothing that could be done to reverse the damage done, and he would not regain consciousness again. On December 24th at approximately 10AM Matt passed into the arms of our Heavenly Father. Faced with the unthinkable, Lori and Matt’s mom, Christine, affirmed Matt’s decision to be an organ donor and share his life as Christmas miracles for others. We know there are many families who have been waiting for a special person like Matt. That has given us all peace at this difficult time.
Matt was an amazing father, husband, son, and friend. Every person who knew him knew how much he loved his wife and son, supported his whole family when they needed anything, and was the best friend anyone could ask for. Lori and Matt just celebrated their 2nd wedding anniversary. This past spring they purchased their first home together to bring their baby boy Ryan home to in May. Their past 2 years have been blessed with joy and excitement that will last as memories for a lifetime.
As with any young couple trying to start their lives together, you never immediately plan for it to end so suddenly. Lori and Matt never anticipated planning and paying for a funeral this year and were just settling into expenses for their new home and daycare for their son. Many people have asked how they can help Lori and Ryan, the outreach has been overwhelming and we truly thank you. In lieu of flowers, meals or other donations, Lori could really use the financial support to give him the funeral service and burial he deserves, which will be done near their home so that their son can visit his Dad any time he wants. Any donations received beyond necessary funeral expenses will be put into Ryan’s 529 college savings fund, a gift I gave my godson when he was baptized. I want to help relieve the unnecessary added financial stress that has been placed on Lori's shoulders. We know this is what Matt would have wanted for him family.
We truly appreciate all the love and support during this very difficult time. Love you all!
On December 23rd, Lori and Matt were having a wonderful day together preparing for Ryan’s first Christmas. Matt surprised Lori with a new cell phone, which she had eagerly wanted for a while. The pride Matt had when surprising Lori was can't be described. Afterward, they went out to lunch and late into it Matt suddenly felt ill. He told Lori he needed to step away and unfortunately never returned back to her. He was transported to St. Clair Hospital for initial evaluation and eventually life-flighted to Allegheny General Hospital. When Lori and I arrived at AGH, we learned that Matt suffered a catastrophic brain bleed, there was nothing that could be done to reverse the damage done, and he would not regain consciousness again. On December 24th at approximately 10AM Matt passed into the arms of our Heavenly Father. Faced with the unthinkable, Lori and Matt’s mom, Christine, affirmed Matt’s decision to be an organ donor and share his life as Christmas miracles for others. We know there are many families who have been waiting for a special person like Matt. That has given us all peace at this difficult time.
Matt was an amazing father, husband, son, and friend. Every person who knew him knew how much he loved his wife and son, supported his whole family when they needed anything, and was the best friend anyone could ask for. Lori and Matt just celebrated their 2nd wedding anniversary. This past spring they purchased their first home together to bring their baby boy Ryan home to in May. Their past 2 years have been blessed with joy and excitement that will last as memories for a lifetime.
As with any young couple trying to start their lives together, you never immediately plan for it to end so suddenly. Lori and Matt never anticipated planning and paying for a funeral this year and were just settling into expenses for their new home and daycare for their son. Many people have asked how they can help Lori and Ryan, the outreach has been overwhelming and we truly thank you. In lieu of flowers, meals or other donations, Lori could really use the financial support to give him the funeral service and burial he deserves, which will be done near their home so that their son can visit his Dad any time he wants. Any donations received beyond necessary funeral expenses will be put into Ryan’s 529 college savings fund, a gift I gave my godson when he was baptized. I want to help relieve the unnecessary added financial stress that has been placed on Lori's shoulders. We know this is what Matt would have wanted for him family.
We truly appreciate all the love and support during this very difficult time. Love you all!
Organizer and beneficiary
Lisa Farnsworth Salamon
Organizer
Pittsburgh, PA
Lori Keener
Beneficiary