Rally for Matt DuBrey: Beat Leukemia Together

Hi there, my name is Monique Reese and today I want to share a story about one of my favorite people, Matt DuBrey. Matt barreled into my life when he was 16 years old and changed it for the better. I would tease him and say that's JUST because he brought me my Bestie, Amy. Then he sealed the deal by having my amazing nephew, Mason, and awesome niece, Ella! But today I want to share the truth with you. Matt's been one of my favorite people since I was a shy 15 year old kid... ok totally kidding, I have never been shy! However, seriously he has always been 1 of my favorite people and conveniently also 1 of my husband's favorite people, because simply...he's Matt. Sharp witty sarcasm at it's finest. He gives the world's best hugs. Has horrible taste in movies. Is an awesome hockey commentator for Union College. Loves cats, and his family. Not necessarily in that order. Drives me crazy sometimes, but has ALWAYS been there when I needed him.

Today, he needs US to be there. He has been seriously ill the past 5 weeks and feeling not quite right for months beforehand. He got a tough diagnosis Friday morning. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. ALL for short. The positive side is at last there's an explanation for the miserable way he has been feeling. On the negative side ALL is bad news. He will begin treatment immediately. He will need to remain in the hospital for at least the next 4 weeks receiving treatment.

ALL is striking at a majorly inconvenient time! Many of you know that Matt owns his own business, and an overly simplified explanation of it is he sells collectibles. Well, the bulk of his profit each year comes from October-December, as people buy Christmas gifts for loved ones. He hasn't really been able to work for over a month and it looks like he won't be back at it for quite some time. Obviously this majorly affects his business and he's also disappointed that will be missing half a season commentating for Union hockey, the first time he will miss part of a season since he started commentating in 2002!. Matt needs to focus on healing.

As I mentioned, one of the bests gifts Matt ever gave me was my Bestie, Amy. Amy is 100% amazing , however noone can go it alone during major health crises like this! She works full time, and manages to rock motherhood and wifehood hard. She is also the best bestie anyone could ever ask for! She needs to be able to focus on helping her man heal, and guiding their two kids through this crisis.

So. They need our help. I set the initial goal total at $75,000. Some may gasp finding that high. Those who have been through a nightmare similar to this know that is likely the tip of the iceberg. AARP research shows that on average a person going through cancer treatment will pay $150,000 on the treatment alone! This is a great opportunity to show your support and if all of us who love this family rally around them...that $75,000 will be reached with little problem and the financial burden will be one thing they DON'T have to focus on. Please know EVERY DONATION MATTERS because the donations will join together in a beautiful show of support for this amazing family. Don't believe your contribution is too small or won't make a difference. Believe me when I tell you EVERYTHING makes a difference to them! All the prayers, kind words, and reaching out to encourage will ALL matter. They feel it and it soothes and comforts at this time where comfort may be in short supply.

I will update here whenever anything relevant comes up. For now, your prayers and donations are needed. Much love, Monique