Matthew Howig

Family and friends of Matthew Howig are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Illness.

Matthew is now 42 years old and was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth. Rigorous breathing treatments and a strict regiment of pills has been his “normal” since he first drew breath. Childhood didn’t last long as dealing with such a catastrophic illness forced him to grow up quickly, and many activities like sports were too strenuous to do. He even missed his high school prom on account of spending two weeks in the hospital after being diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis related Diabetes, or CFRD for short.
Hospital admissions are a constant in his life due to frequent lung infections. However, Matthew has constantly strived to rise above his situation, and never let his circumstances get the better of him. He started his first job at 15 years old and often held supervisory positions. At 17 he was the youngest Hy-Vee deli manager in the company, working both full time and going to high school. The last job he worked at for nearly seventeen years straight, before his lung capacity forced him to go on disability in 2017.
2017 was also the year he was evaluated for lung transplantation, and is currently on the inactive list at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Increases in the cost of medications, food, housing, combined with the continuing decline of his health has caused Matthew to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!