Seattle Man's Community Rallies, Raising $150K for Experimental Cancer Treatment

A Seattle man diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer is breathing a little easier thanks to the incredible generosity of his community. Matt Maclean, 49, received a diagnosis after noticing blood in his stool back in October 2020. After initial treatments and a period of remission, the cancer unfortunately returned, leading him to explore an experimental treatment called full-body hyperthermic extracorporeal applied tumor therapy (HEATT) offered by Verthermia, a Texas company. This treatment, while FDA-approved, isn't covered by his insurance, leaving Maclean with a daunting $150,000 bill. HEATT involves using a heart-lung machine to heat the patient's blood outside the body, aiming to shrink the tumors. It sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but hey, if it works, it works! Maclean, a small business owner and father of two, expressed that hearing the word ‘cancer’ brought a sense of dread, yet he felt a sense of peace because of his faith. Faced with this financial hurdle, Maclean turned to crowdfunding, and the response was overwhelming. Strangers and friends alike chipped in, quickly surpassing the $150,000 goal. Maclean was particularly touched by the support from his children's friends, who rallied to spread the word. "The money doesn't mean anything to me, more so it was realizing just how good people can be," Maclean said, highlighting the profound impact of the community's support. He's now scheduled to begin treatment on March 6, 2025, with high hopes for success. Maclean said he is hopeful that he will ultimately beat this thing, and he wouldn't have been able to do it without the support and love from his community and family. It’s stories like these that remind you there are still good people out there willing to lend a hand. Maclean’s story showcases the power of community and the hope that can arise even in the face of a stage 4 cancer diagnosis.