Friends of Matt

A Letter From Brad Carlson
January 29, 2009

Dear Friends of Matt (and Potential Friends),

During the past three months, donations from Friends of Matt have fallen more than 50%.

I know—we all know—that it’s a financially scary time for everyone right now. Many people feel insecure in their jobs. IRAs and 401(k)s have shrunk. Financial institutions have crumbled, housing values have fallen, and almost all the news we hear these days is dire and scary. In this period of uncertainty, it’s tough for many of us to think about parting with money.

But the fact is that most of us are still doing just fine—and we will continue to do fine. During the Great Depression (a situation which, despite all the scary talk, is not even close to where our economy now stands!) there was an unemployment rate of 25%. This means that 75% of people still had jobs. Today, the Federal unemployment rate is only around 7%. Ninety-three percent of us are still working!

I, for one, have not had to make any real sacrifices. For those of us who continue to prosper, here’s a reminder: We have an incredible friend who still needs our help.

Matt’s illness continues to sap his energy. He has to sleep most of the time, is in constant pain, and barely has the energy to leave the house. Needless to say, he is currently too sick to do what he’s done for so many of us over the years.

Yet there is good news. Just today, he saw one of the best liver specialists in the country, Dr. Marion Peters, at USCF. Based on Matt’s bloodwork, Dr. Peters said that Matt’s liver is actually in pretty good shape. There are four stages of liver scarring, and his is only at Stage 1. At this point, there is no need to think about a liver transplant (something we had all feared.). Dr. Peters told Matt that she has many patients who have lived—and thrived—in his condition for 30 or 40 years. More good news, by the way, is that Matt’s HIV viral load remains undetectable and his t-cells are high. He continues to take his HIV medications, which, apparently, are working very well.

What is still uncertain is the reason for his tremors, pain and constant fatigue. Dr. Peters instructed him to see a neurologist, which is where he will be headed in the next few days.

Meanwhile, Matt is still sick and his finances are suffering. Let me assure you, this is not due to laziness or lack of trying. Matt simply does not have the energy or stamina to conduct trainings or to see clients.

Gregg has mustered super-human strength to help Matt in every way imaginable. He is pulling more than his own weight financially. In addition to spending all of his free time caring for Matt, Gregg is working nearly full-time as a consultant to businesses, helping them with their accounting and bookkeeping systems. He spends much of his day driving between consulting appointments. He is spread very, very thin, but he is doing an amazing job both in his career and as Matt’s primary caregiver.

Gregg has also arranged for Matt to participate in a government program that pays his medical insurance. In November Matt also began receiving $250 monthly from Social Security. Still, there is not enough money to cover all of Matt’s living expenses (which, in my opinion, are quite modest).

Matt’s decision to devote his life to helping others has limited his earnings. Matt never built a 401(k) or a pension, and he has no savings. Our gifts to Matt right now are helping pay the pension he never earned. After years and years of service to others, I can only imagine how difficult it must be for Matt to ask for your help. Words cannot express the love and gratitude I have for Matt’s friendship—which is why I am happy to ask for help on his behalf.

Matt is doing everything he can to pull himself out of this physical hole and get back to work. He has excellent doctors and top-quality health care. Gregg is providing incredible financial, emotional, spiritual and logistical support. For the time being, he cannot do it alone.

This is why I’m increasing my monthly from $500 to $700. I pay this, monthly, via PayPal. It’s relatively simple and painless. I'm also sending a one-time $1000 donation to help pay back rent on Matt & Gregg's apartment.

I hope you’ll consider giving whatever you can give. If you can set a monthly amount, like I did, that would be ideal. All the information you need on donating is at www.friendsofmatt.com. I have also created a “GROUP” page on Facebook called “Friends of Matt.” If you know anyone on Facebook that has been touched by Matt's work over the years, please invite them to “Join this GROUP to contribute financially.

Let me remind you that no amount is too small. Even if your finances only permit $10, $25 or $50 a month, please don’t hold back. Every bit helps!

With all of us pulling together, we can help Matt through this difficult time. Our love and support will help him get better.

With love, respect and gratitude,

Brad Carlson
Friends of Matt
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PS: Matt told me that, as soon as he is up to it, he plans to post an update on www.friendsofmatt.com.

DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED BY:

ONLINE
Paypal / Credit Card
Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover

MAIL
Make checks payable to:

PHONE
415-377-4032

Please note: All donations will be donated directly to Matt for Health Care and Living Expenses. No fees will be deducted to manage this account. The account will be managed by a 3rd party. If you would like additional accounting information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Organizers of The Friends of Matt thank you again for your generous support,

Brad Carlson
Peggy Savage
Diane Bechtle
Joseph Bongiovanni
Joanne Leavitt
Harry Breaux
Nancy Gregovich
Greg Devlin
Judy & Chris Beatrice
Rob & Tracy Fenty

PS. It would be a great benefit to us if you would please forward the Friends of Matt website to anyone that you feel was empowered by Matt’s work at Radiant Light Ministries or through LifeForce. Send to www.FriendsofMatt.com

1986 was pre email time and also many people have changed email addresses. Our intention is to contact as many people as possible to create the space for Matt to be served and comforted and to make sure we have given as many people as possible the opportunity to contribute to Matt’s wellbeing. You are the bridge to those people.