A Successful Surgery and Recovery for Matt

We are raising money for Matt’s recovery from a partial liver transplant. That’s right, thanks to his cousin, Beau, he will be given the sliver of liver he needs! Thank you, Beau of Cleveland, Ohio! For this surgery, Matt and Beth will have to relocate to Rochester, NY, for two months to remain close to one of the few transplant teams that does this surgery. Their insurance will not cover travel, lodging, or other expenses during and after the surgery. They will also have to meet a new deductible while paying their mortgage in Austin. Financially, they have been able to manage Matt’s treatment so far, but as you may know, cancer treatment is expensive and takes a mental/financial toll. Let’s help alleviate some of that stress and allow them to focus on recovery and this gift of life!

Matt’s history with cancer:

In February 2021, Matt was diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer. The primary cancer tumor had spread to his liver. His liver was covered on both sides with multiple tumors. He and his wife, Beth, quickly sought the opinion at one of the top cancer institutes in Houston, MD Anderson. Their surgeon said they would be able to remove the tumors from his liver following an additional procedure to grow one side of his liver and some additional chemotherapy. Although it was tough living hooked up to a chemo pump for three days every other week, Matt handled chemo like a champ! And the original tumor shrank!

But things changed as they tend to do in this world. They learned that the procedure to grow his liver did not work, and it showed signs of portal vein hypertension. MD Anderson told Matt that he was no longer a surgical candidate. They could only suggest maintenance chemo. Matt’s journey with that hospital ended there, and they moved to find yet another opinion.

Meanwhile, the treatment focused on his primary tumor. He received 28 days of radiation and surgery to remove his primary tumor.

Initially, they went to Dr. H. of Rochester, NY, as a backup to their second opinion, MD Anderson. They talked about a possible procedure to remove the tumors in two steps. But due to the liver not growing and hypertension, they learned that even that was taken off the table. They started the discussion of a living donor transplant. They learned from a portion of a donor’s liver, Matt could grow a whole new liver! The donor’s liver will grow back 100%, and the portion placed in Matt will likely be around 99%. Amazing, right?!

To qualify, Matt had to be on chemo for over a year and stable in his scans, which he did. But the complicated part proved to be finding a qualified donor and someone willing to take a risk.

After months of searching, on August 17, 2022, they received the greatest news! Matt was getting a sliver of liver donated to him by his cousin Beau! They had a set surgery date of September 29th.

Let’s help Matt and Beth have an easy transition to Rochester and a stress-free recovery!