Updated news with a very heavy heart
Matt Hollan gained his wings
On Thursday Matthew Hollan lost his battle with cancer. He was born on October 1, 1996 and passed away Thursday January 14, 2016. Matthew was an 18 year old high school graduate from Piscataway. He was diagnosed in January 2015 with a very rare NUT I Carcinoma. He was the only known person in NJ with this cancer and there are less than 50 cases nationwide. Matt fought a courageous battle this past year.
You can see his service notice on the website for Sheenan Funeral Home, http://www.sheenanfh.
A message from Matt’s mom:
“Today we lost a very special person, our son Matt. Our family was with him during his assent to heaven. Such a special son who challenged me to think outside the box. Pushed me to be my best always. Gave me so much love and tenderness. Faced cancer with a hero’s valor and kept fighting despite the fear. I am privileged to have been your mom. Privileged to have held your hand and head during your last breath. I will love you forever and carry the burden of your loss until we meet again. My special young man who was the best part of me is forever in my heart.” – Elizabeth Hollan
As the family is both emotionally and financially devastated from this past year, everything from meals to prayers to donations are very much appreciated.
The meal chain has been updated with local restaurant information for deliveries. Should you have questions about your meal, please reach out to Matt’s aunt who is organizing the meal chain. Meals are still helpful so that the family continues to nourish themselves and is not worrying about preparing meals during this difficult time. Andrea’s contact info is at the very top of the ‘Take Them A Meal’ page should you have questions. Meal Link
There are now two ‘GoFundMe’ pages set up to support the family. Matt’s original Hollan’s Heroes page is still active and Matt’s cousin Nikki set up this new page. Cards and donations can be mailed direct to the Hollan family at 1450 Dogwood Drive, Piscataway, NJ 08854. To all who helped the Hollan family during this difficult time from the many prayers, delivering of home cooked meals, or by supporting through Jack’s Kids it is all greatly appeciated. Matt Hollan and the family will remain in our hearts will always be a Jack’s Kid.
Thank you from Jacks Kids
Matthew Hollan is an 18-year-old high school senior from Piscataway. He was diagnosed in January 2015 with a very rare NUT I Carcinoma. He is the only known person in NJ with this cancer and there are less than 50 cases nationwide. Currently there is no protocol for this cancer and very little is known about it. Matt bravely finished 6 weeks of radiation and many rounds of chemo to shrink the tumor. April 8th Matt had a massive surgery at CHOP to remove his shoulder-blade, muscles, reconstruct his upper back and remove his tumor. His chemo resumes soon and he and his family anxiously wait for pathology of his tumor to see if his treatment is working.
Matt loves to fish with his dad. He uses a pole called an ugly stick! He is a sensitive young man who loves his friends. He enjoys doing science projects and is working on how to grow crystals. He is due to walk on June 18th at graduation.