Post by derby188 on Nov 20, 2012 21:08:08 GMT -5
Hey everyone! Most of you all know one of the Midwest's largest derby families, the Elsers. For those of you who don't know Matt and his family, they are phenominal people and need our help.
Matthew Elser is a 32 yr old Lake Geneva resident, husband of 13 yrs to Cari (33), and father to three beautiful and healthy children: Matt Jr. (12), Tyler (10), and Lily (6).
Matt was diagnosed with grade 2 malignant brain tumor (oligodendroglioma) in March 2007, 12 days before his 27th birthday.
On March 15, 2007 Matt suffered a near fatal grand mal seizure. He was airlifted to St. Luke’s in Milwaukee where a plum sized brain tumor was discovered in his left frontal lobe. Emergency surgery was done to remove the majority of the tumor and 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week followed in an effort to remove the sliver of tumor that remained. However, radiation failed to eliminate it. Matt worked for Ebben Masonry, Inc. as a Mason laborer prior to his initial diagnosis. Matt was diagnosed epileptic after tumor resection, and unable to work. Cari works part-time for Wolff’s Tavern in Lindenhurst, Illinois and at The Cottage Tap in Gage's Lake, Illinois to try and make ends meet.
In 2007 doctors gave an estimate of 5 years till the tumor returned, and at that time gave Matt a prognosis of 10 years. Matt was told it was no longer the quantity of life, but the quality of life that mattered. Matt continues to do the things he holds dearest to his heart: Spending as much time with his family as possible, volunteering at his children's school, sharing good times with his friends, and of course, Demolition Derby.
5 years came and went very quickly. In June of 2012 Matt had an MRI, which was said to be clear of all cancer. However, in October of 2012, Matt was admitted to the hospital for severe headaches and given another MRI, which revealed massive swelling in his brain due to 2 new brain tumors in his left frontal lobe, and a massive cyst in the old cavity from which the old tumor was removed. These tumors were much different from the original tumor. These tumors are in fact grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme, otherwise known as the terminator.
A team of 8 doctors agreed that due to the location and the nature of the tumors and the risks involved (total loss of language skills, loss of motor function on right side of his body
and risk of the cancer spreading throughout his whole brain) that surgery was not an option. The only other option was to start Chemotherapy. Matt was given a prognosis of 2 years.
This benefit is to help Matt and his family to bear the staggering costs of his treatment. It is also to celebrate a phenomenal father and husband who loves his family above all else. But most of all, this benefit is to show as much love, compassion and support to someone who has given so much to his family, friends,
and his extended demolition derby family.
Darkhorse Racing Inc would like to extend an open invitation to all you demo heads to join us at the Bang Out Brain Cancer benfit for Matt and his family, held Sunday January 20th, 2013 from noon until 10pm at:
Sly Fox Bar & Grill
32800 Geneva Rd.
Burlington, WI 53105
Phone: 262-537-3800
There will be raffles, food, & drink, and 6 live bands playing pop, rock, classic rock, christian rock, country, and metal. I will announce the band names when all 6 slots are full (only one not confirmed yet).
The cover charge is $10. Proceeds will go to help Matt & his family cope with the expenses of treatment. Sly Fox has agreed to donate a percentage of food and drink sales to the Elser family as well.
Let's pack the place from open to close and raise a serious amount of money for our derby brother. Questions? Want to volunteer or donate? Call 847-707-4188 after 5pm m-f and after 9am sat and sunday, or email us at darkhorseracingevents@hotmail.com
Thanks and God Bless!
Matthew Elser is a 32 yr old Lake Geneva resident, husband of 13 yrs to Cari (33), and father to three beautiful and healthy children: Matt Jr. (12), Tyler (10), and Lily (6).
Matt was diagnosed with grade 2 malignant brain tumor (oligodendroglioma) in March 2007, 12 days before his 27th birthday.
On March 15, 2007 Matt suffered a near fatal grand mal seizure. He was airlifted to St. Luke’s in Milwaukee where a plum sized brain tumor was discovered in his left frontal lobe. Emergency surgery was done to remove the majority of the tumor and 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week followed in an effort to remove the sliver of tumor that remained. However, radiation failed to eliminate it. Matt worked for Ebben Masonry, Inc. as a Mason laborer prior to his initial diagnosis. Matt was diagnosed epileptic after tumor resection, and unable to work. Cari works part-time for Wolff’s Tavern in Lindenhurst, Illinois and at The Cottage Tap in Gage's Lake, Illinois to try and make ends meet.
In 2007 doctors gave an estimate of 5 years till the tumor returned, and at that time gave Matt a prognosis of 10 years. Matt was told it was no longer the quantity of life, but the quality of life that mattered. Matt continues to do the things he holds dearest to his heart: Spending as much time with his family as possible, volunteering at his children's school, sharing good times with his friends, and of course, Demolition Derby.
5 years came and went very quickly. In June of 2012 Matt had an MRI, which was said to be clear of all cancer. However, in October of 2012, Matt was admitted to the hospital for severe headaches and given another MRI, which revealed massive swelling in his brain due to 2 new brain tumors in his left frontal lobe, and a massive cyst in the old cavity from which the old tumor was removed. These tumors were much different from the original tumor. These tumors are in fact grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme, otherwise known as the terminator.
A team of 8 doctors agreed that due to the location and the nature of the tumors and the risks involved (total loss of language skills, loss of motor function on right side of his body
and risk of the cancer spreading throughout his whole brain) that surgery was not an option. The only other option was to start Chemotherapy. Matt was given a prognosis of 2 years.
This benefit is to help Matt and his family to bear the staggering costs of his treatment. It is also to celebrate a phenomenal father and husband who loves his family above all else. But most of all, this benefit is to show as much love, compassion and support to someone who has given so much to his family, friends,
and his extended demolition derby family.
Darkhorse Racing Inc would like to extend an open invitation to all you demo heads to join us at the Bang Out Brain Cancer benfit for Matt and his family, held Sunday January 20th, 2013 from noon until 10pm at:
Sly Fox Bar & Grill
32800 Geneva Rd.
Burlington, WI 53105
Phone: 262-537-3800
There will be raffles, food, & drink, and 6 live bands playing pop, rock, classic rock, christian rock, country, and metal. I will announce the band names when all 6 slots are full (only one not confirmed yet).
The cover charge is $10. Proceeds will go to help Matt & his family cope with the expenses of treatment. Sly Fox has agreed to donate a percentage of food and drink sales to the Elser family as well.
Let's pack the place from open to close and raise a serious amount of money for our derby brother. Questions? Want to volunteer or donate? Call 847-707-4188 after 5pm m-f and after 9am sat and sunday, or email us at darkhorseracingevents@hotmail.com
Thanks and God Bless!