Matt has been one of my best friends since I was two years old. We met playing on the Kenter Canyon kindergarten yard wheh our sisters were going to school together. Matt and I grew up tagging along on all of their play dates. Over time we had our own friendship, and joined the same AYSO team and WestLA Little League teams. When we were 8 years old we went to sleep away camp together. We have not gone to school together since 1st grade, but have stayed close all these years.

When Matt called me to tell me that he had Hodgkin's Lymphoma I was really freaked out. I was sad and scared. He must have been in shock because that night, he laughed when he told me. I knew immediately that I had to be with him, so I went over and we walked to ice cream. That was the start of being by his side while he battled his cancer. I visited him in the hospital each time he had to stay overnight. I tried to keep him distracted while he was bored at home. I shaved my head in support when he started to lose his hair. 

Amazingly, this was over a year ago. He is healthy and strong now and I am grateful for that. But I will never forget how scared I was at the beginning.

Matt joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society last year and won Teammate of the Year for his successful fundraising efforts. This year he is leading a Team, and I am one of his teammates. I am happy to be able to continue my role of supporting Matt in his battle with cancer, especially since he is now healthy and looking for ways to help others.