# A Community’s Heartwarming Embrace: Strangers and Friends Unite to Fund Life-Saving Cancer Treatment
In the poignant world of cancer diagnosis, Seattle resident Matt Maclean found himself grappling with the stark reality of stage 3 colorectal cancer. The initial shock was palpable as he processed the grim news on that fateful day in October 2020.
Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, Maclean’s faith provided a beacon of solace, grounding him in a sense of peace even as he confronted the arduous road ahead. Embarking on a comprehensive treatment regimen involving radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, Maclean experienced a brief respite in September 2021 when he achieved remission.
However, fate had other plans. A year later, ominous signs emerged as his blood cancer markers spiked. A follow-up CT scan revealed a disconcerting truth: a significant tumor had taken root in Maclean’s liver, propelling him to stage four.
Undeterred, Maclean persevered through a successful liver resection, only to be confronted by two more tumors upon a subsequent MRI scan. Doctors devised a dual approach, combining surgery with localized chemotherapy. Yet, the discovery of three additional tumors during surgery forced them to halt the procedure, fearing it would exacerbate tumor growth.
As despair threatened to envelop Maclean, he embarked on a journey to IYA Medical in Arizona for localized chemotherapy. A glimmer of hope emerged when an MRI scan and blood test in January 2025 indicated that the tumors had not responded to treatment.
Fear gnawed at Maclean’s heart as he discovered another innovative treatment option: Verthermia. This experimental therapy, approved by the FDA but not covered by insurance, offered a ray of hope at a hefty cost of over $150,000.
In a testament to the indomitable spirit of community, Maclean’s plea for financial assistance struck a resounding chord. Strangers and friends alike poured out their support, moved by his unwavering determination. Funds surged, obliterating the initial goal.
"I was blown away. I can’t even begin to tell you how many of them responded," Maclean exclaimed, his voice brimming with gratitude. "Even now, I am still in shock. I am overwhelmed by the sheer generosity people have shown to me."
Maclean credits his family for being his unwavering pillars of strength, particularly his wife Elizabeth, who has stood steadfastly by his side throughout his arduous ordeal. "It’s been a burden for them," he said of his children, "They have the fear that they are going to lose their dad. That breaks my heart more than anything."
On March 6, 2025, Maclean will embark on his Verthermia treatment, fueled by hope and the unwavering support of his community. "I am hopeful that I will ultimately beat this thing," he declared, "I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support and love from my community and family."
This heartwarming tale encapsulates the transformative power of human connection in the face of adversity. Matt Maclean’s story serves as a beacon of resilience, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, hope prevails when we open our hearts to the compassionate embrace of our fellow beings.
