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GoFundMe underway for young Gympie region father battling terminal illness

“He has undergone many surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy and experimental trial drugs. News this week has determined a devastating outcome, and this beautiful family need help in order to have these important last moments together.”

A GoFundMe is well underway and gathering steam for a young Gympie region father named Matt (left), who has been struck down with a rare form of terminal cancer. Picture: GoFundMe
A GoFundMe is well underway and gathering steam for a young Gympie region father named Matt (left), who has been struck down with a rare form of terminal cancer. Picture: GoFundMe

A GoFundMe campaign is well underway and gathering steam for a young Gympie region father named Matt, who has been struck down with a rare form of terminal cancer.

Matt’s sister-in-law Rachael Greensill created the fundraiser this week, setting a goal for $11,000 “to assist with the funeral and medical costs”, as well as allowing Matt’s partner Renee to take time off work.

Mrs Greensill said Matt had been battling a very rare form of sarcoma for the last two and a half years, and had recently been given some “devastating” news.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE GOFUNDME

“It is so rare that there isn’t a cure and treatment is experimental at best. He has undergone many surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy and experimental trial drugs. News this week has determined a devastating outcome, and this beautiful family need help in order to have these important last moments together,” Mrs Greensill wrote.

“Understandably, this sickness has taken a physical and emotional toll on Matt, my sister Renee and my niece. If there is a small way that we can help, it would be to take a little bit of the financial burden away.

“Many people have suggested a Go Fund Me to Renee and she has refused, as she is an independent person who doesn’t like putting pressure on other people, so she takes all the pressure on for herself.

“She has come to the realisation though that without help, she can’t do what she needs to do to provide for them, and plan this next overwhelming phase of their life.”

Mrs Greensill said the financial costs on the family as a result of Matt’s illness so far had been “immense”.

“Medication, medical equipment hire, travel to and from hospital, specialists and care facilities, even hospital parking has taken a financial toll on them,” she said.

“Renee is working around the clock to provide financially for them whilst also trying to spend as much time as she can with Matt during these tough times and juggling childcare for their daughter.

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“She is a hero, who is quite possibly the strongest person I know, but even heroes need help. If we can raise some funds, it will allow the three of them to spend much needed, irreplaceable time together, and assist with the financial costs for the funeral.”

A staggering $8,090 had already been raised for Matt and his family at the time of publication, with one anonymous donor pledging a whopping $1000.

You can donate to the GoFundMe for Matt and his family here.

Originally published as GoFundMe underway for young Gympie region father battling terminal illness

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/gympie/gofundme-underway-for-young-gympie-region-father-battling-terminal-illness/news-story/8870610c7f615aa71dae4965e8dcd883