From Survival to Healing: Help fund Matteo’s Critical Care

Tanja Sturges is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Matteo Kelli Halbesleben.

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Hello, everyone. My name is Tanja, and I’m here asking for your support for my dear friend Matteo, also known to many as Matthew or Matty. Matteo has faced unimaginable health battles over the last year and a half, from surgeries to daily pain and relentless medical complications. I am setting up this campaign because Matteo’s journey is far from over. Your kindness and generosity can help relieve his financial burdens, fund the essential care he needs, and provide him with a renewed chance at life.

To say Matteo’s health journey has been complex is an understatement. At the end of last year, Matteo narrowly avoided a ruptured colon, and this was just the beginning. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with skin cancer, requiring a tumor removal and reconstructive surgery on his face. Complications only worsened from there, as he battled a severe scar infection and dealt with mobility issues due to the initial surgery, his need for dental crowns was delayed, leading to deep infections that now require extensive surgery, including bone grafts to his jaw.

Adding to his challenges, Matteo has lingering injuries from a past car accident that are now worsening. His left side, particularly his rib cage, suffers from dislocations and immobility, affecting his lungs and digestive system. His left lung cannot fully expand, while a crucial section of his colon is twisted and kinked, causing significant pain, organ misalignment, and contributing to extreme fatigue.

In Matteo’s words, “Onions, ogres, and my health have two things in common—they’ve all got layers, and they can really stink. I thought the skin tumor was the cherry on top of this health sundae, but it turned out to be a flaming cherries jubilee that burned through the foundations of my life.” Despite these hardships, Matteo’s resilience and sense of humor remain unbreakable, and I am determined to help him regain his health and quality of life.

Why Your Help is Urgently Needed Matteo’s journey to health involves:

Dental surgeries to remove infections and restore his jaw with critical bone grafts.

Physical and occupational therapy to improve rib mobility, restore organ function, and reduce chronic pain.

Corrective surgeries to treat his colon and ribs, which will allow him to breathe fully and prevent further organ issues.

As he undergoes these treatments, his ability to work will be limited. This campaign will fund not only his medical care but also his essential daily needs as he heals. Every dollar raised will bring Matteo closer to the health and life he deserves.

Your contribution, big or small, will directly support Matteo’s path to recovery. Together, we can alleviate the financial burden that weighs on him and ensure he gets the essential treatments he needs. Your donation will allow Matteo to focus solely on healing rather than financial stress.

We are beyond grateful for any support you can provide, whether it’s through a donation, sharing this campaign, or sending love and encouragement to Matteo. Thank you for being part of Matteo’s journey to healing and for giving him the gift of hope during this difficult time.

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