Support Maria's Battle Against Pancreatic Cancer

Maria has been my friend since 4th grade. My first memory of her was during recess on the Emerson-Williams playground in our hometown when we were 10. We were playing a game where she would ‘write’ a word on my palm with her finger while my eyes were closed and I had to guess what it was. I flunked every single word and I distinctly remember us absolutely cracking up over it. That was the start of what is now 44 years of belly laughs, friendship, and support with my (and everyone’s!) friend Maria Pietrandrea Matulis.

In November 2024, right before Thanksgiving, Maria was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Doctors found a tumor in her common bile duct. Since diagnosis, Maria has faced several complications and a rollercoaster of disappointing false starts with her treatment.

The first chemo was initially scheduled for January 6. She has traveled to Yale for multiple appointments, but each treatment was canceled due to her bilirubin levels being too elevated. Unfortunately, Maria often spent hours for tests and travel… but no treatment happened.

Finally, she was able to begin chemotherapy on March 25. And so begins the long road ahead to shrink the tumor Maria appropriately named “Rat Bastard Mother F-er” (RBMF).

She has 11 upcoming chemo appointments. Following that, she will undergo a Whipple surgery, which is a major surgery for removing tumors at the head of the pancreas. Recovery from a Whipple procedure is lengthy, with an average hospital stay of 7-10 days.

Maria is ready to fight, and we are ready to fight alongside her.

How you can help

Maria has missed days upon days from work due to several hospitalizations, tests, and treatment appointments that never came to fruition.

She is out of sick time at work. She will only receive a fraction of her pay from short-term disability.

Maria is a loving wife, mother, sister, cat mom, and friend to many. She is the first one to lend a hand to those she loves. When someone is struggling or has experienced a loss, she is the first one to show up with more food than anyone can possibly eat. Maria has been an avid volunteer at church, at school, and in her community. Now it’s time we give back to her.

Any contribution you can make will help her pay her bills as she fights hard over these next few months to evict this RBMF. Thank you for your support! Love to all!