I’m putting this GoFundMe page together on behalf of my nephew, Matthew Coenen, as he navigates something no family ever expects to face. Unfortunately, his family has had to face it on numerous occasions.

On September 9th, Matt had surgery for Squamous cell carcinoma which spread to his mouth, tongue and lymph nodes. The form of cancer Matt has is very aggressive and had been unnoticed for an extended period of time. Matt requires immediate and intensive treatment.

Matt is being treated at Methodist Hospital at the Eastbrook Cancer Center. He starts radiation beginning October 21st for 30 treatments. He continues to learn how to eat, swallow, and speak again following the invasive surgery that removed a third of his tongue and the bottom of the right side of his mouth. In addition, all of his lymph nodes on both sides of his neck had to be removed as the cancer had already invaded them.

Matt, a 2004 graduate of Burke High School, has lost both of his parents to cancer and is now facing his cancer journey with few family members remaining. Matt lost his mother (my sister), Wendy in 2013 to kidney cancer. Last year, he lost his father (my brother-in-law), Scott, to lung cancer. Matt has an older brother, Steve, who has been instrumental in Matt’s cancer diagnosis and coordination of all his appointments, etc. His twin brother, Pat, has been caring for Matt at home and continues to be his rock!

This GoFundMe will help cover:

• Assistance with medical costs

• Support for meals and everyday living expenses during his treatment

• Transportation for treatments

This page was created as a way for friends and family to support Matt during this difficult time. So many people have reached out asking how they can help - and Matt is deeply grateful. If you’re not able to donate, we kindly ask for prayers. Your prayers truly mean as much as any financial gift.

Thank you for supporting Matt during this time!