Matthew Budgell

Hi friends, family, and strangers, my name is Lucas Budgell. I am Matt's little brother and part-time "Care Bear blanket," and one of his best friends. Many of you already know Matt's journey was long and arduous, but for the people who are just learning about the man that Matt Budgell was, his cancer journey began on January 10th of 2020, on my and my sister's birthday.

Matt underwent a partial gastrectomy to remove a golf ball-sized tumor from his stomach and then followed with eight rounds of Chemo to rid his body of the monster within him. It seemingly worked like a charm. Matt's cancer remained completely undetectable for over two years. We were utterly heartbroken to find out on October 30th, 2022, that his cancer had metastasized all around his abdominal cavity. Despite the news, Matt had three rounds of Chemo in an attempt to do the impossible, defeat the monster cancer yet again. By the end of December, his cancer had spread all around his body, and on December 30th, 2022, Matt lost his battle with his stomach cancer.

Matt started a foundation that donated to young adult cancer patients needing financial assistance due to cancer's extreme financial and emotional costs. Despite the struggle and the hardship, Matt never managed to stop smiling and remained a positive beacon of light for everyone that knew him. When the universe seemed to conspire against his odds, he found a way to make his life about more than just himself. He inspired those who not only needed it but those who never knew they needed anything like the glow he could give.

Matt's death, as with anyone's departure, was untimely and has come with high costs emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Even with the lessons and love my brother left behind for my parents and me, I have seen the two pillars of my life at their most vulnerable. Unfortunately, Matt did not have life insurance, and cancer and dying are two costly propositions. This Go Fund Me serves as another tool to help lift not only myself but, most importantly, my family get back on their feet.

My Mom and Dad have always given Matt and me more than everything I have needed, and I am asking for some help to give back to those who have helped the young man we are celebrating and me. Thank you for your time and your support when it is most needed.