Matt McSweeney Patient Care Costs

I’m an incredibly proud and blessed mom who’s had the privilege of watching a strong, courageous and persevering young man walk through an unthinkable journey.  The young man is my son, Matthew.  If you’ve ever had the chance to meet him you know he’s easy to love and there’s no question he’ll make you laugh.  I’d like to share his story with you.

In September 2007, my 17-year-old son Matthew and his friends were excited to begin their senior year.  Finally, high school would soon be over and their lives would begin!!! Matthew was set to pursue his greatest passion, golf.  Then out of the blue he began experiencing severe headaches and blurry vision.  Worried, as I’m sure you can imagine, we scheduled an appointment with his doctor just to put our minds at ease.  Sinus infection!!  No big deal.   Unfortunately, the symptoms didn’t go away, they worsened.  Our fears rapidly returned and the scary truth was revealed through an MRI; Grade lll Glioblastoma brain tumor (the size of an orange).  How could this be???? My baby had a sinus infection, not one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer, right????  None of my denial really mattered at this moment.  The results were definite and we had NO TIME TO WASTE.  Just days later, my 17-year-old high school senior with his entire life ahead of him would be undergoing brain surgery to save his life.  

The day arrived.  To say I was a mess would be an understatement.  How could I help reassure him everything was going to be ok when I could barely hold myself together?  Then, in true Matthew form, as they wheeled him off to the OR he looked into my eyes, gave me the peace sign and said “See you soon mom”.
Seemingly countless hours passed when finally, the surgeon entered the waiting room.  The surgery was a success and the tumor was removed, but 52% of his right frontal lobe had also been removed.  There were no guarantees Matthew would wake up the same kid he was prior to the surgery.  Miraculously and by the grace of God, he awoke from surgery with ZERO deficiencies.  

After a painful recovery, he started 6 months of intense chemo and radiation followed by an additional 1.5 years of chemo.  Through all the treatment, pain, & nausea Matty kept a positive attitude.  He never complained about being sick or in pain.  He never complained about missing time with his friends or missing senior year events or asked “why me?”.  His positive attitude and strong faith in God were unwavering.  It was truly unbelievable watching him in his circumstance become an inspiration to everybody around him.  Even kids at the Jimmy Fund Clinic, who were suffering similar situations looked on at Matty and said his infectious smile helped brighten their day.

The course of treatment did put his dream of becoming a Pro Golfer/Golf Instructor on hold for a while, but it didn't stop his drive.  In fact, the day he got out of Children's Hospital he insisted on golfing and parred the course.  They even wrote an article about that game in the Patriot Ledger.  Over the years, he would take time to lend a hand to others needing some instruction on their golf game.  It was such a joy to have certain young people come up to me time and time again to share what an inspiration my son is to them and how he had helped them, but that's just who he is.

Since completing his treatment he has made many strides toward pursuing his dream and even earned his PGA card as a certified golf instructor.  

However, 7 years later Matthew starting experiencing symptoms.  Hopeful that it wouldn't be anything serious, an MRI confirmed our greatest fear.  The tumor was back.  This time was different.  Frankly, it was crushing in so many ways.  This giant that we thought was defeated was beginning to rear its ugly head again.  After all this time how could it be back?  Will it ever go away?  Onto his 3rd round of chemo and all the crud that goes with it (nausea, extreme exhaustion, etc.)  Thankfully, the follow up scans seemed to show that there was no change or growth.  So back to “normal” life we go…  Matty resumed his work as a golf instructor while putting pieces in place to make a run at trying to get on the PGA Tour.  

Just a short 18 months later a routine scan revealed that the tumor was growing again and growing fast.  Faced with no other option, Matthew was scheduled for another immediate surgery.  This time they removed the tumor as best they could and also injected a cold virus into his brain as part of a clinical trial.  Matty suffered through many weeks of agony as he recovered from the surgery and dealt with the effects of the virus injected into his brain.  We were so hopeful that this virus would eviscerate the cancer and we could put this all behind us.  

Unfortunately, just 2 months ago our hopes were dashed with the news that the tumor is back.  It's now worsened to a Grade IV, growing faster than ever before, and this time surgery is not an option.  He’s on a different course of chemo now, but not without its effects.  Over the last 7 months Matty hasn’t been able to work like he used to and for at least half that time he was unable to work at all.  Bills have piled up and stress is at an all-time high.  Through it all, he has still maintained his positive attitude, his faith in God has grown, and he will still be the first to crack a joke and make you laugh.  My hope is that Matthew can turn his focus away from the financial problems and spend his energy on attacking this relentless giant.  Your support, prayers, and encouragement are so greatly appreciated.  Thank you and God Bless! - Maria


"Those of you who know Matt love him.  Matt will be turning 27 on June 1st.  Since the age of 17, Matt has been battling brain cancer.  He has had multiple brain surgeries and many rounds of chemotherapy and experimental immunotherapy.  Throughout his battle his attitude has not waivered.  He maintains a positive attitude regardless of his setbacks.

Unfortunately, these setbacks have limited his ability to work and he and his family are greatly struggling to keep up.  

Matt has worked in the golf industry in the Boston area for many years in multiple roles. I encourage those in the business and golf enthusiasts to do all they can. I am also considering an auction for golf equipment, so those of you in the business please consider items for donation."  -Steve Show