Living and Medical Expenses after Surgery!

Have you ever had that one person who makes you want to go to work each day because of how he will brighten your day the minute you see him? He is that co-worker who also becomes a dear friend, someone who makes you laugh and also is the first to text, call, or give you a hug when you are down. That person in my life is Matthew Martens and now it is time to return that love as he faces a major surgery on February 10, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to remove cancer from his body that no other doctor has been able to successfully remove.

Matthew was initially diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peroni in October of 2016. This rare cancer affects about two per million people every year. It typically starts in the appendix and then moves into the lining of the stomach. The tumors secrete a jelly-like substance called mucin which accumulates in the abdominal cavity and eventually compresses vital organs.

After Mathew’s original diagnosis, he went through a major surgery and was told that all of the cancer was removed. Five years later, in April of 2021, he was told that the cancer had returned. He had another major surgery in June 2021 but they were unable to remove all the cancer tumors from his body. He was told that the cancer was aggressive and had grown into his intestines and abdominal wall. The surgeons felt that they could not remove all of the tumors without causing major damage to his organs and greatly affecting his quality of life. They did suggest chemotherapy but were not optimistic in it working. Matthew chose this option anyway, only to find out that the doctors were correct and it did not affect the growth of the tumors.

However, Matthew was not willing to give up. He persisted in researching his options and in October he consulted with a doctor in Pittsburgh who felt he could help Matthew. After several consultations and meetings, they scheduled his surgery for February 10, 2022.

With that said, Matthew will be out of work until at least the middle of April, which means he will not have an income for at least two months. He will have travel expenses, medical expenses as well as overall living expenses that will need to be covered. He has been a color specialist at Rocco-Altobelli Salon (salons in the Minneapolis and Rochester area) for over 30 years and has touched the lives of many clients and co-workers, asking nothing in return.

Therefore, I am organizing this fundraiser in hopes of making life a little easier for a person who has spent his life giving to others. Any amount that you can donate will be very helpful! You can follow Matthew’s journey at his Caring Bridge Site: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthewmartens

I am sure that your messages of support will be much appreciated!!