Get Matthew Back On His Feet After Beating Cancer

It is official - Matthew beat Stage Four Pancreatic Cancer. In October 2022, Matthew's second post-surgery scan showed no signs of recurrence or metastatic disease!

In May 2021, Matthew was diagnosed with Stage Four Pancreatic Cancer and told he had between one and three good years of life remaining. Despite the unbeatable odds, his doctors felt it was worth a shot to try and save his life. In September 2022, Matthew received news that his tumor had grown, so he began a course of experimental chemotherapy. Then, in March 2022, Matthew's scan showed no signs of metastatic disease. His oncologist gave him the great news that he could now undergo surgery for his previously inoperable cancer. Matthew had surgery in May 2022 and has been cancer-free ever since.

After almost two years, 28 chemotherapy sessions, and two surgeries, Matthew can finally begin to enjoy his second chance at life. At the end of December, he will move back to Lexington, Kentucky, to get back on his feet, search for jobs, and work on finishing his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Kentucky. Matthew also plans to write a book about his experience.

Matthew has been incredibly fortunate throughout this process, as Duke Cancer Hospital covered most of his medical expenses, which have now surpassed $2 million. Matthew also had the love and support of many friends and family members, especially his childhood best friend, Alex, who moved to Durham, North Carolina, to help him with his treatment.

Matthew is excited to move "home" to Lexington and away from the city where he spent a year of his life preparing to die. As he eases into living a "normal" life again, Matthew's full-time job will be to continue to heal - emotionally, mentally, and physically - from these tremendously challenging two years. Matthew will take oral chemotherapy to prevent the recurrence of his cancer for several months following his move to Lexington. He will be unable to work while he completes this course of treatment.

Matthew receives social security checks each month and has some money in his savings account, but he needs a financial buffer to help get him through the next nine months while he finishes treatment and searches for a job. Any amount you can donate to help him get back on his feet is a tremendous gift. Your contribution will help cover portions of his treatment that are not covered by Duke, including his medications, his monthly living expenses, pay for flights back and forth to Durham for his scans every three months, provide a safety net if he becomes ill and needs medical care, and facilitate his job search.

Thank you so much for supporting Matthew. He is a kind, hilarious, unique, and wonderful human being, and we are all so lucky we get to enjoy more years with him on this planet.