Support Matthew O'Leary with his fight against cancer

Hello, my name is Karen O'Leary, and my husband is Matt O'Leary.

If you're seeing this, we truly appreciate you taking the time to read about what’s going on. We have been absolutely blindsided and reaching out like this is far outside of our comfort zone — but we need help.

Matt has been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.

Matt — who never gets sick — I know, we’re just as shocked as you are.

It all began in early April when Matt started feeling unwell. What we thought was a simple stomach bug turned into a full month of pain, nausea, and not being able to eat even the blandest foods without discomfort. After visiting the doctor, he was sent for tests. At his follow-up appointment on May 22, 2025, the results were unclear but concerning. His doctor advised us to go to the emergency room at Our Lady of Lourdes for further testing.

There, a CT scan revealed what they believed to be cancer, and Matt was immediately admitted. The next day, he underwent exploratory surgery to try and remove the mass and blockage. During the procedure, cancer was confirmed, and we were told it had likely been progressing for some time.

Matt was in the hospital from May 22 to May 27, and had to return from May 30 to June 4 due to an infection. The results of the biopsies taken during the surgery on the 23rd were received and it was confirmed as stage 4 colon cancer.

We've been told it can be treated — but not cured. Our hope is for remission, depending on how Matt’s body responds to chemotherapy and medications.

We are asking for prayers, good vibes, positive energy — whatever you believe in — please send them our way.

Matt will be undergoing chemotherapy and will be out of work for the foreseeable future. I will continue working, while also taking him to all his appointments and helping however I can. We know there will be many medical and personal expenses ahead, and unfortunately, our household income will be significantly reduced at a time when we need it most.

If you are able to donate, we would be deeply grateful. And if you’re not in a position to give financially, we completely understand — please just keep Matt in your thoughts and help us by sharing this page.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your love, kindness, and support. This diagnosis has rocked our world, and the encouragement we’ve already received means more than we could ever put into words.

Thank you,

Karen and Matt