Support the Strand Family
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In the fall of 2017 life was forever changed for the Strand family with the news of Matt’s cancer diagnosis. As an otherwise healthy 42 year old father of three Matt and Molly were living their everyday lives. Lots of hockey, football, and school work for their three boys Jack (15), Sam (13) and Nolan (10) when Matt suffered from a persistent stomach issue that he just couldn’t shake. After several visits to the doctor ended with fluids and instructions to rest they were hopeful that the stomach issues would resolve. As symptoms continued to persist an x-ray at the ER revealed the source of his pain.
A golf ball sized tumor in his colon. The Strand's were devastated. After a risky but successful surgery to remove the tumor Matt received the news that his cancer was officially diagnosed as stage 4 colon cancer. It had spread to his peritoneum and lungs. Matt would begin chemotherapy treatment as soon as he was strong enough following surgery.
Matt began chemotherapy treatment in December of 2017. He responded well to the chemotherapy infusions and tumors began to shrink. The chemotherapy was incredibly taxing on his body but he was getting results. His strength and attitude through the treatments were incredible. His doctors were continually impressed with his determination. He continued to do well over the next year and a half.
The doctors switched him to a "maintenance" treatment plan that allowed him to take pills instead of infusions. Matt and Molly were able to travel a bit and although Matt had slowed down, overall he was doing great!
In March of 2019 Matt and Molly got news that the cancer was growing. He was instructed to start up the chemotherapy infusions again immediately. He started the infusions at the end of March but his body just wasn't able to recover in the way it had before. In the past Matt had to rest in the days following chemotherapy but this time it was different. His fatigue was persistent and intense, he developed a fever, his body just wasn't responding as it had for the previous 17 treatments.
After two weeks in the hospital Matt was sent home. He continues to rest and recover at home but his body has been pushed to the limit. Extreme fatigue and blood clots in his lungs make moving around exhausting. Fluid build up in his abdomen is a constant source of discomfort and the back pain is debilitating.
Of course Matt is still Matt and his personality and humor still show through. He wants to make sure the kids get their homework done and listens to their stories of hockey, school, and drivers ed! His love for Molly and the boys is as evident as ever. They truly are his pride and joy.
Matt and Molly have a lot on their plate please consider helping the Strands as they face the challenges ahead.
Every prayer, every positive thought, every dollar, and every gesture of support is greatly appreciated.
The beneficiary of this campaign is Anne Dean, Matt’s sister. This fundraiser will be used to ease some financial burdens that Molly and the boys will carry for the rest of their lives, as well as help with funeral and medical expenses.
A golf ball sized tumor in his colon. The Strand's were devastated. After a risky but successful surgery to remove the tumor Matt received the news that his cancer was officially diagnosed as stage 4 colon cancer. It had spread to his peritoneum and lungs. Matt would begin chemotherapy treatment as soon as he was strong enough following surgery.
Matt began chemotherapy treatment in December of 2017. He responded well to the chemotherapy infusions and tumors began to shrink. The chemotherapy was incredibly taxing on his body but he was getting results. His strength and attitude through the treatments were incredible. His doctors were continually impressed with his determination. He continued to do well over the next year and a half.
The doctors switched him to a "maintenance" treatment plan that allowed him to take pills instead of infusions. Matt and Molly were able to travel a bit and although Matt had slowed down, overall he was doing great!
In March of 2019 Matt and Molly got news that the cancer was growing. He was instructed to start up the chemotherapy infusions again immediately. He started the infusions at the end of March but his body just wasn't able to recover in the way it had before. In the past Matt had to rest in the days following chemotherapy but this time it was different. His fatigue was persistent and intense, he developed a fever, his body just wasn't responding as it had for the previous 17 treatments.
After two weeks in the hospital Matt was sent home. He continues to rest and recover at home but his body has been pushed to the limit. Extreme fatigue and blood clots in his lungs make moving around exhausting. Fluid build up in his abdomen is a constant source of discomfort and the back pain is debilitating.
Of course Matt is still Matt and his personality and humor still show through. He wants to make sure the kids get their homework done and listens to their stories of hockey, school, and drivers ed! His love for Molly and the boys is as evident as ever. They truly are his pride and joy.
Matt and Molly have a lot on their plate please consider helping the Strands as they face the challenges ahead.
Every prayer, every positive thought, every dollar, and every gesture of support is greatly appreciated.
The beneficiary of this campaign is Anne Dean, Matt’s sister. This fundraiser will be used to ease some financial burdens that Molly and the boys will carry for the rest of their lives, as well as help with funeral and medical expenses.
Organizer and beneficiary
Stephanie Keating Phillips
Organizer
Shorewood, MN
Anne Dean
Beneficiary
