Help Matthew Stillman recover from brain surgery

Team fundraiser

Illana Burk and Kelly Butler are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Matthew Stillman.

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My name is Illana Burk and I am one of the very very many people (as is evident from the incomplete collage above) who hold Matthew Stillman dearly close to our hearts.

One of Matthew’s friends recently mentioned that she suspected many would call Matt their best friend, and she’s very right. Matt is the best friend. He holds that role for so, so many as he is truly one of the very best there is at it.

And he is presently facing a very serious health challenge.

After several years of dealing with Long COVID, Matthew has now been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

The tumor is significant in size and deep in the right frontal lobe. It will be surgically removed next month.

As someone who is self-employed, there is no paid sick leave, no fancy benefits, no financial security. This has been a source of added distress. He is insured, but he’s navigating a health crisis in the for-profit US medical system. We don’t know how long his recovery will be or his ultimate cost burden.

This news has broken a thousand hearts. So many have responded with offers to help and asking how to be of service. The greatest assistance we can offer right now is financial. (Unless you’re a neurosurgeon. If you’re a neurosurgeon, please call.)

Matthew is blessed with a robust network for things like nutritious food and healing support, but the unfortunate truth is that there will be unmet financial need.

We have shared in the joy, the laughter, the grief, the sorrow, the truly human and honest way that Matt meets the world, and, like so many of you, I am honored by every moment. This is how we can help him best right now.

This fundraiser is to rally support for an endless giver of it.

HEALTH DETAILS:

The tumor is a 5cm glioma near the horn of the right frontal lobe, behind his right eye.
It is slow-growing and likely something he had for years. A grand mal seizure last Thursday was the first noticeable symptom.
It is a glioma, it is operable, and it is serious. More will be known post-biopsy.
His first consultation for surgery is November 8th; more information on the surgery will be available after this date.
Because of the location, a craniotomy is required. Newer, less invasive techniques are not an option, so no robots and no lasers.
Tests have revealed no other malignancies in his body (some good news!).

SUPPORT DETAILS:

Matthew’s dear friend, Kelly Butler, is coordinating support and is staying with Matthew for his recovery. She’ll provide new information here in the Updates section as it becomes available.
Matthew has close family and friends nearby who are providing meals and care shifts while he heals.
Another way to support Matthew is to purchase Primal Derma (PrimalDerma ). He has support for packing and shipping throughout recovery so business his flow can continue unaffected.
Your calls, prayers, and tumor jokes are very welcome: Matt is still Matt, after all.

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