Matthew Schneider: Gold Coast Urbis director’s devastating diagnosis
Gold Coast development figure Matthew Schneider says the week after going public with his battle against an aggressive form of cancer has been “the richest and most comforting” of his life.
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Gold Coast development figure Matthew Schneider says the week after going public with his battle against an aggressive form of cancer has been “the richest and most comforting” of his life.
The 38-year-old boss of property consulting firm Urbis revealed earlier this month he had been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer.
Mr Schneider had been unwell for months and lost more than 25kg before it was discovered he had an asymptomatic tumour in his colon.
He has begun chemotherapy in order to stall the disease. Mr Schneider opened up in an emotional social media post about the impact of his diagnosis and what the support of his family and friends meant to him.
“It sounds so strange to say but, despite the shock of landing deep in the most difficult and distressing situation, my overwhelming sense is one of great fortune and deep gratitude. I have so much, and so many, to be thankful for,” he said.
“After the intense shock of such a serious and unexpected diagnosis, it was a great relief to be able to begin treatment and be given the opportunity to at least fight back.
“Although I’m very aware that it is early days, I am grateful to have not suffered major side effects from the first dose of chemotherapy and to have therefore been able to discharge from hospital and set up for treatment from home instead.”
Civic leaders and friends have rallied around Mr Schneider and pledge their support to help him in his time of need.
The father of three, from Tamborine Mountain praised his family and said he was grateful for the support and love of his children and wife through his health battle, as well as the team of doctors treating him.
“I feel so privileged to have access to doctors that are not only exceptional but that give me the reassurance of their expertise,” he said.
“I’m grateful that we’ve been able to define our roles clearly from the start: Their job is to deploy all of their medical expertise and resources. I trust them to do that. My job is to give them the strongest body and mind to treat that I possibly can.
“With so much support and positivity around me, and feeling relatively good, it is sometimes easy to forget — impossibly hard to believe actually — that I’m really even in such a serious situation.
“I’m sure the cancer, and the chemotherapy, will deliver swift and potent reminders on some harder days ahead.
“But, while I’m intent on remaining positive and focused, I don’t want to be in denial.”
‘Fight of my life’: Support floods in for Coast leader
City leaders are rallying around development industry figure Matthew Schneider to support him in the “fight of his life”.
The 38-year-old boss of property consulting firm Urbis revealed on Wednesday he had been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer.
Mr Schneider had been unwell for months and lost more than 25kg before it was discovered he had an asymptomatic tumour in his colon.
He has begun chemotherapy in order to stall the disease.
City leaders have swung their support behind the father-of-three in his hour of need.
Ray White Surfers Paradise boss Andrew Bell said there were “no words adequate or comforting” to describe the challenge he faced.
“But I know that it is your strength of character and your steely determination that will stare down the challenges you are facing,” he said in a message to Mr Schneider.
“Miracles do happen but they have to be fought for. I know you’re up for it. Support is all around you.”
Mayor Tom Tate said he was “devastated” by the news.
“Matthew is such a great Gold Coaster but more importantly, a great family man,” he said.
“He has been a strong and loyal ambassador for the development industry and our city over many years.
“Right now, Matthew is in the fight of his life and we stand with him and his family.”
Study Gold Coast CEO Alfred Slogrove offered help while Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan sent “lots of strength for the journey ahead”.
In a message on social media, Mr Schneider thanked supporters for their kind words and said he would take leave from Urbis for three months while seeking treatment.
“Hopefully, the coming months bring some positive results and I can see many of you soon,” he said.
“During this period, I will be on extended sick leave and relieved from all commitments at Urbis to focus entirely on my health and family.
“Transitional arrangements are in place across all of my projects and responsibilities and will be advised as appropriate.
“You have my personal assurance that the teams I work with are the very best and that they will ensure your projects are well looked after in my absence.”
‘Outpouring of support and love’: City leader’s devastating diagnosis
New Southport Sharks president Matthew Schneider has revealed he is fighting a devastating battle against advanced bowel cancer.
The prominent development industry figure and director of consulting firm Urbis has opened up about his devastating diagnosis in an emotional Facebook post after months of health struggles.
“I’ve been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer after a large tumour was found in my colon. Totally unexpected and asymptomatic. A silent assassin,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the cancer has already spread from my bowel to my lungs (hence the months of coughing). It’s also already spread to parts of my abdomen and some of my bones. The reality is that my situation is very serious.
“There’s no prospect of curing this so the best case scenario is that the chemotherapy stalls the cancer and gives me some more time and quality of life, with ongoing treatment and management.”
The father of three, from Tamborine Mountain, contracted Covid in January and struggled with severe fatigue, losing more than 25kg.
Mr Schneider was diagnosed with advanced cancer late last week.
He has begun chemotherapy to treat the cancer and his condition will be reassessed every three months.
“It has been a big week. The biggest, baddest but most blessed week of my life,” he said.
“The last few days have been a devastating whirlwind for my family, friends and colleagues as we have learned more, tried to come to terms with the situation and now started to share this news.
“While I can’t be sure of what lies ahead, I feel strangely at peace with having arrived at today. At least it’s a fair fight now.”
Mr Schneider said he had been overwhelmed by an outpouring of support.
“The tidal wave of love and support for me and my family already feels immense. I am incredibly thankful and feel as ready as I’ll ever be to start the fight of my life,” he said.
“Thank you, everybody. Your love, support and generosity means more than I’ll ever be able to explain or repay.”
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