Supporting the Matt Caudle Family

Matt is my youngest brother - and I'm reaching out to all our family & friends as this little family could really use our love and support at this time. In the last four weeks Matt & Dawna have been on a medical roller coaster. He has had pain due to an old injury in his hip for many years, but over the last two months the pain has suddenly changed and become almost unbearable. On November 1st, after many specialists & testing which included a bone biopsy, he was diagnosed with Benign Fibrous Histiocytoma, which are usually benign growths in the soft tissue. His case is extremely rare, with the growth occurring in bone. As the tumor grows, it is literally eating away at his pelvic bone, causing hollow "craters" all throughout the affected area. Leaving it in place is not an option - even though it is non-cancerous, if it's not removed it will continue to spread through his pelvic bone and could potentially spread to additional bone anywhere in the body. 

The bone affected is seriously compromised, and extremely breakable. For my brother, this means an incredibly invasive surgery in the next two weeks to remove the entire left half of his pelvic bone. This will be replaced with an artificial pelvis which will then bond as it heals. Once it is effectively bonded, he will then undergo a total hip replacement on his left side. The hip replacement has to wait, as right now there is nothing solid to attach it to. The entire left side of his pelvic bone is full of craters due to the growth of this tumor.

For the first time in his life, he is currently physically unable to work, causing the bills to begin piling up. He is the proud father of six beautiful children, which are he and his wife Dawna's pride & joy. Matt has always worked very hard to provide for his family as an independent contractor. Because of the damage to his pelvic bone, the amount of pain he is in, and the danger of a catastrophic break, the doctor has insisted that he discontinue all physical activity. He is now unable to continue working in any physical capacity for at least the next three months, probably longer. He and his family are facing loss of their sole source of income, staggering medical costs, and life-changing surgery. Matt will also be forced to make a major career change once all the immediate dust settles. To compensate, Dawna has taken on babysitting & other things she can do from home, but she is the primary caregiver of their six children and will also have her hands full helping Matt heal.

He was diagnosed on November 1st, and the oncologist insisted the surgery be scheduled within the next few weeks. He will have his first major surgery on November 19th (the Monday before Thanksgiving.) He will face months of healing before he can have the second major surgery. Understandably, this situation would leave most of us reeling, and unable to meet all the various demands independently. 

Matt & his sweet family have an immediate need. If you have the ability, we are asking for any amount you feel comfortable sharing that could help to ease some of the stress this family is facing. The funds will all go toward medical expenses as well as helping to cover some of their family's living expenses in the immediate future as Matt undergoes surgery & major healing. If you are able to help in anyway, we would all be so appreciative. Please also continue to share this with family & friends. We have been praying non-stop for Matt and his family over the last month, and would ask for your faith & prayers for them as well. Thank you so much for all of your love and support!!