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Hi friends —
I’m putting this together for my neighbors and close friends, Matthew, Lisa, and their son Wesley Smith, because they’ve been hit with more than any one family should have to carry alone. They’re the kind of people who make this community feel like home — and right now, they need us to show up for them.
Here’s what’s been happening:
- Their son Wesley was recently diagnosed with hereditary pancreatitis, a painful and rare condition that his mom Lisa also lives with. Monthly specialist appointments, major dietary shifts, and new routines have completely changed their day-to-day.
- Lisa left her job to care for Wesley full-time and started a home-based business — all while managing her own health.
- Matthew recently survived prostate cancer, the same illness that claimed his father’s life. After completing treatment and months of physical therapy to regain strength, he was involved in a motorcycle accident that significantly impacted his ability to return to work.
- And just yesterday, 7/5, Matthew was rushed to the hospital due to complications related to his accident injuries, which continue to cause daily pain and serious health issues.
- On top of it all, the family faced an unexpected housing shift that raised their rent by over 79%, making it nearly impossible to stay in their home.
They’ve poured so much love into this neighborhood — watching pets, bringing over treats, hosting dinners, and always being the first to lend a hand. They don’t know a stranger. They make Golden feel like a small town in the best way — they've made it feel like home for us.
Now, they’re at risk of having to leave.
Lisa shared that she feels incredibly embarrassed to be going through this again. (In my opinion, just another example of how humble this family is.) But the truth is, this isn’t the same crisis — it’s another one, and it hit before they ever had a chance to fully recover. It’s hard to ask, but harder to stay silent when things are this tough.
We’re raising $40,000, with a stretch goal of $50,000, to help cover:
- Rent and basic living costs for the next 6 months
- Groceries and pet care
- Essential travel and household bills
- Support for Matt’s ongoing recovery
- Business transition time for Lisa
If you can give anything — truly, even $5 — it makes a difference. If you can’t, a share helps more than you know. Let’s surround this family with the kind of love they so freely give to everyone else.
Thank you so much for reading and supporting.
— Taylor
*Note: This fundraiser is focused entirely on the new challenges following the accident, not prior medical events.
Organizer
