Matthew's Battle

In January of 2019, Matthew started to experience painful headaches and debilitating migraines. Matthew did not typically experience migraines and attributed this change, to adjustments within his everyday life. In 2018, he started employment with a new company, allowing him to travel to various parts of the country. With the various changes in his work location, it seemed possible that this was the cause of his migraines. However, our family grew increasingly concerned when Matthew started to withdraw from social activities and often times, was unable to leave his bedroom due intense pain throughout his head. He continued to suffer from migraines throughout the majority of the year and decided to seek medical treatment when he started to experience an abrupt change in vision out of his right eye. After consulting with his doctor, various tests including an MRI of his brain were ordered. In September, Matthew was told he had a mass in his brain and further tests were needed. After multiple consultations and MRI's, Matthew's mass was identified as a slow growing tumor. As a result, brain surgery was recommended as doctors needed to biopsy the mass to further identify if the tumor was benign or malignant. Matthew was removed from work immediately and was scheduled for brain surgery on October 22nd, 2019. 

In November, Matthew received the results of his biopsy and devastated to learn that he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Specifically, a Low-grade Astrocytic Neoplasm, also called a Low Grade Glioma. 

- Low Grade Glioma - University of Rochester Medical Center 

A second MRI has been ordered following Matthews brain surgery to determine if the full tumor was removed. If the full tumor was not removed, Matthew will require a second brain surgery in addition to radiation and chemo therapy treatments. Regardless of the results, he will be unable to work for an undetermined period fo time due to the prognosis and treatment requirements for the Low Grade Glioma.
These specific brain tumors frequently spread cancer cells throughout the brain which can cause additional tumors to appear throughout his life. 

This has been a difficult year but, this is only the beginning of Matthew's battle with brain cancer. Unfortunately, this cancer will return and Matthew will continue to battle this throughout his entire life. Throughout this journey, Matthew will need ongoing support, positivity and love with friends and family by his side.

Our family is asking for your support. No donation is too small. All contributions will be used to support Matthew with medical bills, prescriptions, co-payments and, various treatments required. 

Hearing the words "you have cancer" is unimaginable and changes your life from that day forward. You never think this will happen to you but Matthew will be celebrating his 21st birthday with brain cancer. We have never been the family to ask for help but we have come to the realization that we need the support of our community. Please share Matthew's story, we love him with all of our heart!