Matthew McSweeney Memorial Fund
Donation protected
With much heartbreak and sorrow we are devastated to inform you that Matty passed away Saturday, July 7, 2018. His courage, perseverance and endurance was an inspiration to us all. He was and always will be deeply loved by all.
Please join our family for Matthew McSweeney’s Memorial Service on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at One O’clock.
We will gather at:
South Shore Baptist Church
578 Main St
Hingham, MA 02025
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers you consider donating to Matthew’s GoFundMe to assist with memorial related expenses.
My name is Dominic Dangora. I am the administrator of this account and also Matty's uncle. The funds will be deposited into my bank account. We intend to use the funds to cover all memorial related expenses including the church, funeral expenses and a hall post-service to gather in remembrance of Matty. Please see below to read Matty's story written by his mother, Maria McSweeney:
I’m an incredibly proud and blessed mom who’s had the privilege of watching a strong, courageous and persevering young man walk through an unthinkable journey. The young man is my son, Matthew. If you’ve ever had the chance to meet him you know he’s easy to love and there’s no question he’ll make you laugh. I’d like to share his story with you.
In September 2007, my 17-year-old son Matthew and his friends were excited to begin their senior year. Matthew was set to pursue his greatest passion, golf. Shortly after, he began experiencing severe headaches and blurry vision. His doctor initially diagnosed him with a sinus infection. As the symptoms began to worsen, it was revealed through an MRI that he had a Grade lll Glioblastoma brain tumor (the size of an orange). Just days later, my 17-year-old high school senior with his entire life ahead of him would be undergoing brain surgery to save his life.
The surgery was a success and the tumor was removed, but 52% of his right frontal lobe was also removed. There were no guarantees Matthew would wake up the same kid he was prior to the surgery. Miraculously and by the grace of God, he awoke from surgery with ZERO deficiencies.
After a painful recovery, he started 6 months of intense chemo and radiation followed by an additional 1.5 years of chemo. Through all the treatment, pain, & nausea Matty kept a positive attitude. He never complained about being sick or in pain. He never complained about missing time with his friends or missing senior year events or asked “why me?”. His positive attitude and strong faith in God were unwavering. It was truly unbelievable watching him in his circumstance become an inspiration to everybody around him.
However, 7 years later Matthew starting experiencing symptoms again. Hopeful that it wouldn't be anything serious, an MRI confirmed our greatest fear. The tumor was back. This time was different. Matthew went onto his 3rd round of chemo.
Just a short 18 months later a routine scan revealed that the tumor was growing again and growing fast. Faced with no other option, Matthew was scheduled for another immediate surgery. This time they removed the tumor as best they could and also injected a cold virus into his brain as part of a clinical trial. Matty suffered through many weeks of agony as he recovered from the surgery and dealt with the effects of the virus injected into his brain. We were so hopeful that this virus would eviscerate the cancer and we could put this all behind us.
Unfortunately, our hopes were dashed with the news that the tumor was back. It worsened to a Grade IV, growing faster than ever before, and this time surgery was not an option. He’s was on a different course of chemo but nothing seemed to have been able get Matty through this last battle. Matthew fought for 11 long hard years. He was a true warrior and will forever hold a special place in all our hearts. We love you, Matty.
Please join our family for Matthew McSweeney’s Memorial Service on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at One O’clock.
We will gather at:
South Shore Baptist Church
578 Main St
Hingham, MA 02025
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers you consider donating to Matthew’s GoFundMe to assist with memorial related expenses.
My name is Dominic Dangora. I am the administrator of this account and also Matty's uncle. The funds will be deposited into my bank account. We intend to use the funds to cover all memorial related expenses including the church, funeral expenses and a hall post-service to gather in remembrance of Matty. Please see below to read Matty's story written by his mother, Maria McSweeney:
I’m an incredibly proud and blessed mom who’s had the privilege of watching a strong, courageous and persevering young man walk through an unthinkable journey. The young man is my son, Matthew. If you’ve ever had the chance to meet him you know he’s easy to love and there’s no question he’ll make you laugh. I’d like to share his story with you.
In September 2007, my 17-year-old son Matthew and his friends were excited to begin their senior year. Matthew was set to pursue his greatest passion, golf. Shortly after, he began experiencing severe headaches and blurry vision. His doctor initially diagnosed him with a sinus infection. As the symptoms began to worsen, it was revealed through an MRI that he had a Grade lll Glioblastoma brain tumor (the size of an orange). Just days later, my 17-year-old high school senior with his entire life ahead of him would be undergoing brain surgery to save his life.
The surgery was a success and the tumor was removed, but 52% of his right frontal lobe was also removed. There were no guarantees Matthew would wake up the same kid he was prior to the surgery. Miraculously and by the grace of God, he awoke from surgery with ZERO deficiencies.
After a painful recovery, he started 6 months of intense chemo and radiation followed by an additional 1.5 years of chemo. Through all the treatment, pain, & nausea Matty kept a positive attitude. He never complained about being sick or in pain. He never complained about missing time with his friends or missing senior year events or asked “why me?”. His positive attitude and strong faith in God were unwavering. It was truly unbelievable watching him in his circumstance become an inspiration to everybody around him.
However, 7 years later Matthew starting experiencing symptoms again. Hopeful that it wouldn't be anything serious, an MRI confirmed our greatest fear. The tumor was back. This time was different. Matthew went onto his 3rd round of chemo.
Just a short 18 months later a routine scan revealed that the tumor was growing again and growing fast. Faced with no other option, Matthew was scheduled for another immediate surgery. This time they removed the tumor as best they could and also injected a cold virus into his brain as part of a clinical trial. Matty suffered through many weeks of agony as he recovered from the surgery and dealt with the effects of the virus injected into his brain. We were so hopeful that this virus would eviscerate the cancer and we could put this all behind us.
Unfortunately, our hopes were dashed with the news that the tumor was back. It worsened to a Grade IV, growing faster than ever before, and this time surgery was not an option. He’s was on a different course of chemo but nothing seemed to have been able get Matty through this last battle. Matthew fought for 11 long hard years. He was a true warrior and will forever hold a special place in all our hearts. We love you, Matty.
Organizer
Dominic Dangora
Organizer
Quincy, MA