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Help Matt, 34 years old fight stage 4 gastric cancer!

  • Update for our beautiful Matt

      26 July 2022

    To all who have loved Matthew so dearly, I need to pass on the devastating news that Matthew lost the fight with his dreaded cancer in the early hours of yesterday morning (Monday 25th July- the days our lives were shattered)

    Matthew took on the challenge of any treatment recommended to him. From the boy who had always been so petrified of needles, he faced his fear with determination in the hope that he would be able to spend more time with his family. First and foremost his two girls, Tessa his partner and their little “munchkin” Maddie.

    Matthew had the kindest heart, and had a capacity to love so dearly. He always placed others first, even when his life hung in the balance.

    He was just so brave during the last 10 months, and actually got to the point where he reached the “sweet spot” whereby he had the opportunity to make treasured memories with Tessa and Maddie.

    To everyone who has been so generous with his Give a Little page, I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. To those who have asked recently what they can do to help, I know that all Matthew would wish for is your kindness and generosity towards Tessa and Maddie as they attempt to navigate their lives without Matt 💔

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  • February update

      17 February 2022

    I would like to share some very heartwarming news of Matthew’s progress so far with his treatment.

    Matthew completed round 8 of his chemo schedule last Wednesday- 9th Feb, and next week will start his new chemo routine that should maintain the quality of life which he is now experiencing.

    The transformation in Matthew is truly remarkable.

    Just over 3 months ago he was so seriously ill that it was difficult to “see the light at the end of the tunnel”, and today we have Matthew back!

    I can’t say it’s been easy, but Matthew has been determined to push himself every day to get stronger in both his body, and mind.

    The care, concern, and expertise of his oncologist and the wonderful team at Manaaki Cancer Care have turned his life around! I know he is in the best of hands.

    The support, love, and generosity of so many people that Matthew means a lot to, has been completely overwhelming. No words can express the gratitude we feel, and this also has contributed to Matthew’s outstanding improvement.

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    • 17/02/2022 by Teresa

      This is so good to hear. Devon was chuffed to see you and will pop in to have a catch up soon at work. He talks about you lots Matt and really admires you. Kind regards Teresa Scott (Dev's mum).

    • 18/02/2022 by Michelle

      This is good news, and Matt I knew you as a little boy and you had determination back then. Pleased to hear you still have that to help you fight. You are a brave young man and many people won't know half of what you have been through. But Matt we are all so proud of how you are fighting this. Much love for you and your family as they all go through it with you. You are amazing and keep enjoying life. Xx

  • December/January

      14 January 2022

    I would like to express the sincere gratitude that Matt and his family feel towards all who are supporting them, through what must be the most challenging and heartbreaking time of their live’s.

    The love, care and generosity of so many has been overwhelming, and is a true testament of how highly people think of Matt.

    Matthew is continuing to improve and has just completed round 6 of an 8 stage chemo plan. The treatment has improved his quality of life. The ascities has disappeared, he has managed to gain weight, and his energy levels are increasing!

    Matthew is a fighter, and continues to exercise every morning and go for bike rides, and also walks with Maddie and Tessa most days.

    Ongoing maintenance treatment plans have been discussed for when chemo is complete around mid February. Matthew will go into this next stage with far greater strength and well being than he had when first diagnosed. His progress is truly remarkable, helped greatly by the love of so many who care deeply for him.

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  • Update for Matt

      5 December 2021

    First I would like to pass on a massive thank you to all of you who have made donations and left supportive messages. Matt does read the messages and feels truly thankful and overwhelmed by all the kindness shown by family, friends and strangers!

    Since Matts diagnosis in late October he has had 3 of the 8 fortnightly chemotherapy sessions for this round which appear to be helping reduce some of the symptoms such as the rate in which the ascites (fluid build up) is recurring, which is one of the most worrisome symptoms he has to deal with.

    Matt has been back in hospital for 2 shorts stays since starting treatment, but since then has been able to tolerate his post chemo symptoms at home. Knowing which medications to take and when to help ease his symptoms has also made a big difference.

    Matt also had a biopsy this week which should help try and ascertain where the primary cancer is, if there needs to be any adjustments to the current regime or if there is anything that can be added to help slow down or halt the spread of the cancer.

    As we come up to Christmas and the end of the year Matt and his family are hoping that he will be feeling well enough to spend a few days away in Central Otago.

    Merry Christmas everyone and thank you again for all your love and support.

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  • Thank you so much!

      23 November 2021

    On behalf of Matt and his family I would just like to say a huge thank you to you all for your incredible donations, offers of support and beautiful messages.

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