Matt Cupito & fiancé Carrie Dunfee(AKA Dunfinator)

In September of 2021, Matt was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. After 35 daily radiation treatments and 6 chemotherapy sessions last winter, Matt’s cancer “appeared” to be decreasing. After a recent pet scan and biopsy, it has been determined that Matt’s cancer has grown rapidly since just June. He is now in the rare percentile of this cancer being cured. Additionally, the cancer is sitting on his carotid artery and jugular vein in his neck. Because of the location, surgery has been taken off the table. Additionally, radiation is no longer going to work. The only options now are possibly a clinical trial or immunotherapy. He has been referred to UC and the Barrett Cancer Center for them to determine the next steps.

Matt has almost daily headaches, jaw, and ear pain. He continues to lose weight and the cancer is now starting to impact what he can physically do and eat. Matt has also lost his voice and the doctors have confirmed the cancer is now attacking his vocal cords. His throat is closing up so he’s aspirating which means he’s now more susceptible to pneumonia. His team of doctors say that treatments need to begin as soon as possible because the cancer is just too aggressive.

With that said, Matt will have to stop working within the next week or two. The drive is taking a toll on him and his inability to speak is impacting his job. His employer will provide short-term disability for 3 weeks which allows 60% of his salary to be paid to him. Once his short-term disability ends, he will go on FMLA with no pay. At that time, Carrie will need to continue to work to keep the lights on while also being his sole caretaker.

So, let's try to ease this burden as much as we possibly can, the portion with which we can fix. Nothing is worse than dealing with this and having the anxiety of finances lurking the entire time. All of the information above came directly from Carrie as of this morning, 8/8. I'll keep updating.

If everyone could please share this on social media sites, and if on the FB, make sure you post as public so other people can share your post.

Thank you from Matt and Carrie. Let's look forward to hearing some good news soon.