'Michael Matters' gives cancer patients financial assistance

As Ruth Walker was undergoing treatment for her brain tumor, the drive to NorthShore University HealthSystem's Kellogg Cancer Center required thoughtful planning and creative resources.

The 200-mile drive from her home was well worth it, according to Walker, but she did not anticipate the accumulation of transportation, food, and other expenses not covered by insurance.

These "other" expenses were the impetus of The Michael Matters Foundation, which provides grants to Chicago-area individuals diagnosed with brain cancer and their families. Their annual fundraiser, "New Year, Same Wish," on Feb. 3 at Viper Alley in Lincolnshire will benefit patients from NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Center.

Michael Matters is focused on helping patients battling brain tumors to maintain their quality of life during their treatment by providing financial assistance for nonmedical related expenses, including child care fees, transportation and lodging.

"Michael Matters is a great tribute. (The grant) was extremely valuable, as I was already absorbing a lot of other costs. I was able to cover the cost of gas when my friends drove me to treatment, and I was able to buy them dinner each time we drove up," Walker said.

"When we started The Michael Matters Foundation, we were determined to make an impact. We've helped more than 50 brain cancer patients and their families already by providing thousands in patient grants to alleviate some of the stress this disease brings with it," said T.J. Saye, on behalf of Michael Matters.

Tickets for the Feb. 3 fundraiser are $125 and can be purchased in advance online by visiting michaelmatters.org/new-year. For more information, contact Saye at tjsaye@MichaelMatters.org or (224) 406-1004.

The Michael Matters Foundation Inc. was founded in honor of Michael P. Schostok, who succumbed to a glioblastoma brain tumor in 2012 at the age of 51. A resident of Libertyville who grew up in Riverwoods, Michael, a personal injury attorney, left behind a wife and three children.

The foundation's wish is to increase public awareness of this disease and raise funds to provide desperately-needed financial assistance to Chicago area individuals and their family members who suffer from the inevitable impacts of brain cancer.

For more information about NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Center, or ways to support the innovative cancer care being provided, call (224) 364-7230 or visit foundation.northshore.org/.

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