Pictures!

Before picture of everyone shaving their heads.
Casey shaving Matt's head.

Cousin Eric hurting Nate while shaving his head. ;)

Matt mid-way through his hair cut.

Christine having fun with Bret's hair.

Nate part way through his haircut.

Matt- the finished product!

Christine working on cousin Nic's hair.

Uncle Jeff and Dad with their goofy hair dos.

Christine cutting cousin Tommy's hair.

The finished looks!- (pictured from top left going down across)

Uncle Jeff, Dad, cousin Eric, Nate, friend Bret,

cousin Tommy, Matt, cousin Nic.

(Not pictured-friend Greg had to leave early for work!)

Thanks for all your support!

Posing with Matt Kenseth in front of his race car.

Matt Kenseth signing some hats for Matt. He also signed the jacket Matt wore down at LMS in North Carolina. Matt plans on framing his jacket with all of the amazing memories.

Group picture with Matt Kenseth.

Matt and Matt Kenseth- professional race car driver.

Happy Holidays!

Matt has been very busy with the Christmas season so far! On Christmas eve, we had Christmas with dad's side of the family and on Christmas day, we were with mom's side of the family. Then Friday and Saturday, Matt celebrated with Casey's sides of the family! He is very thankful for everything that people have done for him and his family. He is very excited because he got new headlights for his car from family and friends. Also, he got a brand new car cover for his car from Casey! He is getting his car ready for his trip next year to North Carolina! :) He is feeling good just very tired as the day goes on. He needs to take a nap during the day because the chemo has been taking a lot out of him. Next week, he has a CT scheduled to see where he is at with his cancer and how the chemo has been working in his body. Also, some of his family members have their colonoscopies scheduled next week to make sure that they do not have anything potentially harmful inside them too.
Happy Holidays and may God Bless!

Merry Christmas!

Matt had his 4th chemo treatment this past Monday. He was feeling a little sick this week but never threw up. He is in great spirits and very excited for Christmas to come!
On Sunday, our family went to Cambridge to meet Matt Kenseth, a professional race car driver. He was extremely nice and signed Matt's jacket he had worn down in North Carolina and also multiple hats for Matt. He was also generous in donating memorabilia for Matt's benefit dance. He was a really nice guy and Matt is very thankful that he got to meet him.
Also, on Sunday evening we had a shaving head party. Matt, his dad Brian, brother Nate, cousins Eric, Nic, & Tom, Uncle Jeff, friend Bret, and friend Greg all shaved their heads! Matt's sisters and fiance Casey had a fun time shaving every one's hair all night! Matt wants to thank everyone for doing that and all of their wonderful support! It is extremely appreciated!
A week or so ago, Matt also received a box from the Green Bay Packers. They sent him a card, pencils, erasers, a flag, hat, and many more things with a caring card. Thank you!
Last week, the Ixonia Lions Club stopped by our house and donated some Christmas food and a $500 check for Matt and his medical bills. Thank you for your contributions.
We will be updating the blog about the up and coming benefit dance for Matt in February so keep checking the blog for any news.
Have a blessed Christmas!!!
ps- I will be adding pictures tomorrow!

Catching up!

Matt at the UW Cancer Clinic getting his blood drawn.
Matt and his new rims for his Camaro.
Matt and Lyle.

Matt and Helayne.

Last week after Matt's third treatment, he didn't get sick at all! He is also halfway done with his treatments, following with a month off, and then his second surgery!

Here are a few things that Matt has done in the last week to keep busy:

Last week Matt drove along with Mel to Milwaukee to pick up some cars and deliver them to Madison keeping Mel company along the ride. He also went over to the Liederbach's who hosted dinner for the family. Matt, Jenny, and Mom also went to court to support our Uncle Moose for a day. Ryan, his soon to be brother-in-law, came over to help Matt work on his truck and put a new starter in Matt's truck to get it running. On Saturday, Matt went to watch Casey coach at her mini's dance competition all day. They took first place

in all three categories they participated in.

Yesterday, our family hosted a dinner at the Krueger house for Lyle Wuestenberg, Helayne Kirchoff, Mel and their families to thank them for all they have done. We also invited Lindsay from Lowe's Motor Speedway but it was a little far of a drive for her! ;) We joined in on a delicious dinner and then watched Matt's videos of him driving around the race track! We also then played a game of Queens with Casey and her parents, our family, and Bret. Today Matt had a doctor appointment to get his blood drawn. His white count was 8.9 which is high but that is great. Last week it was 10 and the week before it was only 1.4. After the 1.4 count, he received a shot to help boost his white count which worked wonders! Then we headed over to J & L Tire in Johnson Creek to see Lyle and also Matt's new rims came in! He was very excited to see them! The tires will be in by the end of the week they said. Matt can't wait to put them on his car to get it ready for next year on the track he said. :)

Also after talking to Lyle, he informed us that Matt's story had reached every CARQUEST in the United States. After reading Matt's story, the president of CARQUEST made a decision to instead of giving hams and turkeys to employees this year, they would donate that money to a Children's Hospital for an addition to the building. It ended up being

a donation of $1.5 million dollars!

Also, the lady from genetics testing called and they still have no definite response for if Matt's cancer is genetic or just a fluke. She requested a sample of Matt's tumor so they can run some more tests. She did recommend that his immediate family members go and get a

colonoscopy as a precaution.

Matt has noticed that he is starting to lose his hair now. If he touches it or runs his fingers through his hair, it will come out. Next Sunday (Dec. 21), later in the evening Matt is planning on shaving his head with friends and family. His brother Nate, friend Bret, cousin Eric, and others are going to be here and shave their heads with him! Anyone else want to join in? ;)

He has been keeping very busy and also getting his Christmas shopping done. Today is Matt and Casey's 2 1/2 year anniversary so they are planning on a special dinner tonight.

Matt has been in great spirits and feelings pretty good. He feels nauseous occasionally but his medication seems to be helping him through that.

Please continue to keep Matt in your prayers.

Another round of Chemo.

Friday when Matt went for his blood draw at the Cancer Clinic, his white blood count was much higher! That is good news for him. Monday of this week, he had another chemo treatment. He has been feeling a little nauseous but has not gotten sick yet. His doctor prescribed more medications for nausea and they have been helping him a little. He has mostly been sleeping the past couple of days because the chemo really makes him tired. Today he also went back to the clinic to get unhooked from his pump. Hopefully he will start to have more energy by the end of the week.
Please continue to keep Matt in your prayers.

Updated News Story!

http://www.wdtimes.com/articles/2008/12/02/news/news1.txt
Matt felt great today. He even felt up to snow plowing the driveway. Then he went out for dinner with Bret and his family. He didn't feel nautious today and is still in great spirits! He can't wait to start working again! :)

Busy Day!

Monday, December 1st, Matt had an interview with Watertown Daily Times and he also unloaded his stuff from his car in town. Today Matt had a doctor appointment at the UW Cancer Clinic for a blood draw to check his levels to make sure he is doing ok. Then he made a stop at J & L Tires in Johnson Creek to show Lyle some pictures from the trip. Then he went out to lunch with his Grandma Aud and also made a trip over to the shop. Matt and Ryan had to unload their cars from the truck and get them all washed up. He also did a complete tire change on his sister's car. Then he headed home to rest, eat dinner, and wait til Casey comes over to hang out.

Matt going 165 mph!

Here is a video of Matt with a professional race car driver going 165 mph!

LONG drive home!

On Sunday morning, we got up very early to pack the car and eat breakfast. We were on the road by 6:30 am and ready to get back to Wisconsin. On the way, we hit very bad traffic and were in stand still traffic for quite a while. It was a icy rain most of the way until it turned in to snow around Chicago. It was a slippery and looong ride home but we made it back around11:30 pm Sunday night. It took longer but we made a couple of stops for food and gas. By the time we got home, everyone was exhausted and ready for bed from a long, but exciting trip.

Saturday November 29th

Matt at the highest seating point at LMS and the view behind.

The crew posing for a picture at the highest point on LMS.

Everyone posing for a picture in front of the car that took Matt around the track at 165 mph.

Matt and the driver, Andy Thurman.

Everyone listening intently during the tour of Michael Waltrip's garage.

Matt and Casey taking a break to pose for the camera during the tour.

Matt getting competitive during a laser tag game.

Matt feeding Casey strawberries during dinner at the Speedway Club.

A picture of the group during dinner at the Speedway Club overlooking the track.

Even mom got the chance to sit in a race car!

Nate in front of a race car.

Bret and Matt in front of a race car.

Jen in front of a race car.

Ryan in front of a race car.

On Saturday, Matt had another fun-filled day! In the morning, at 9 o'clock Matt was able to ride along with a driver during the Richard Petty Experience. His driver was Andy Thurman, a retired professional race car driver. They hit speeds of 165 mph and he told Matt that they were driving around real race lap times. Matt had so much fun and was able to get the real experience that racers feel behind the wheel of a race car. We also got the opportunity to walk up the seating to the highest seat in the race track. We could see a majority of the city but it was quite a steep way down. :) After that, we went to Michael Waltrip's garage, called Race World USA. We got a VIP tour of the garage, not just walking on the cat walk but actually being able to go in to everyone room and get up close with the cars and machinery. Matt was able to take home a real race car tire and a splitter, which he would have to explain to you what it does. Also they gave Matt autographed memorabilia and left him with a HUGE smile on his face. After that, we headed to NASCAR Speedpark at the local mall. There we had a unlimited day pass to drive the go-carts, play laser tag, and play arcade games. We had a lot of fun there. It was fun being able to race the go-carts even though it was freezing out. Then as a family we went to the Speedway Club for dinner. It was an amazing dining experience for us. The restaurant is usually only open for speedway club members and it overlooks the race track. We had a very delicious and elegant dinner. They servers were very nice and welcoming to our family! Lindsey, manager of guest services and logistics who help organize this trip, even came to dinner with us!!! Then we headed to the car garage to get a couple more picture before we headed home to pack our things and go to bed. It was a very long day and night for everyone and we were exhausted. Thank you to everyone that has helped Matt to make his dream come true! We have nothing but compliments for Lowe's Motor Speedway and many others, including Lyle Wuestenberg and Helayne Kirchoff, who have made this possible. It has been a blessing.

Matt Driving!

Here is a short video of Matt driving aroundt the track. He is the second car in the picture. It is far away and fuzzy because it is from a phone but we will put a better one up later tonight. :)

Life in the Fast Lane

Matt racing around the track on his own.

Matt posing with Richard Petty's foot and hand print.

Matt and his fiance Casey.

Bret, Matt, Steph, and Lindsey. Steph and Lindsey from LMS helped organize and make all of this possible for Matt. THANK YOU!

Matt and the gentleman from CARQUEST that also helped make this possible for Matt.

Matt with Mel our driver.

Matt posing with his car in victory circle.

Another of Matt posing with his car in victory circle.

Matt on the track being interviewed.

HE DID IT! He raced around the track and got up to 135 m.p.h. with his Camaro.

After 15 hours of driving, we got to the hotel around 3 am this morning and were able to catch a couple hours of sleep. Then we headed to Lowe's Motor Speedway around 7:30 am this morning. Everyone at LMS was extremely nice. We drove right in to victory lane and Matt was able to get on the track right away. LMS donated many different things to Matt and his family, including a carhart bag, autographed memorabilia from Matt Kenseth who unfortunately was out of town for the holiday, two crew shirts, hats, free hotel, meals,and many other things. Car Quest also donated a racing helmet that was signed and worn by Kyle Busch. They also set up a very nice and event-filled itinerary. Matt was out on the race track for an hour and a half. He started out following the pace car to get comfortable with the feeling and staying around 80 mph. Then they allowed him to go himself! He was cautious at first but then he got used to it real quickly. He gave Bret (his friend), Casey, Nate, Dad, Jenny, and Mom all a ride around the track at maximum speed of 135 mph! It was an amazing experience. This is something Matt and our family will never forget. He also was interviewed by three local tv stations and the Charlotte Observer Newspaper. Here are some links to the tv stations with his articles (some aren't published yet but will be tonight) and online articles.

http://www.wbtv.com/global/story.asp?s=9426686 – channel 3 news in North Carolina
http://www.wsoctv.com/ – channel 9 news in North Carolina
http://news14.com/content/local_news/601930/teen-gets-to-live-dream-at-speedway/Default.aspx – channel 14 news in North Carolina
http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/columns/story?columnist=smith_marty&page=DoorToDoor
http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/opinion/11/27/splash.go.rswan.thanksgiving/index.html

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/galleries/gallery/382184.html

http://www.wdtimes.com/articles/2008/11/28/news/news2.txt

www.kentucky.com/614/story/609619.html

www.thatsracin.com/242/story/21287.html

www.macon.com/356/story/540825.html

http://www.madison.com/tct/news/316524

www.quote.com/news/story.action?id=KRO334e7052

Matt had so much fun and there was no way you would be able to wipe that smile off his face. He also got the chance to drive on the track at the same time Ryan, soon to be brother-in-law, was able to take his corvette out on the track. Mel, our driver that drove the trailer with Matt and Ryan's cars, even got the chance to take his truck out on the track and drive it! :) It was a once in a lifetime experience and we extremely appreciate everything that people did to prepare this for Matt. This will be a memory he will have for the rest of his life and it has made his dreams come true. Then we did a little bit of shopping at the gift shop at the speed track. Then we also went to Quaker State Lube for a delicious lunch compliments of LMS. It was really good but then everyone had to go back to the hotel for a nap. It has been a very long day and we still have many more fun things planned for tonight and tomorrow.

Thank you for everything people have done for Matt and our family. Without God, none of this would be possible and He will take care of Matt. Please continue to keep Matt in your prayers.

More to come! :)

Getting ready for racing!

Matt's 1999 Z28 Limited Edition Bright Blue Metallic Camaro

Matt is getting ready for his fun-filled weekend. He is working on cleaning out his car and getting is all ready for getting on the track. We will be heading out early tomorrow morning and Matt will be on Lowe's Motor Speedway track bright and early Friday morning.
Here are a couple of pictures we took with Matt and his car!

So excited!

Matt and his family are getting very excited to go to North Carolina this week! Reporters from the Charlotte newspaper and ESPN Nascar have contacted Matt for an interview preparing to write an article. We also set up an appointment for him to see Matt Kenseth and his gallery in December. Matt is smiling from ear to ear and can't wait to get on the road.
Last night though he still did not feel well and got sick a couple of times during the night. He wasn't able to fall asleep right away so today he was very tired. He at some scrambled eggs today for breakfast and they stayed down. He then took a very long nap and is starting to feel ok.

Feeling a little Rough

Later in the afternoon during Matt's chemo treatment, he started feeling sick. He threw up three times during the end of his treatment and then he got something for nausea. He also had muscle spasms in his stomach and arms which they gave him a drug with relief. He said when he left that he just felt tired and hungry because he had nothing left in his stomach. After he got home, he ended up getting sick again and is still really tired. Tonight, he is going to just go to bed and get some rest. Hopefully, he will feel better tomorrow. Please continue to keep Matt in your prayers.

Second Chemo Treatment

Today Matt had to come to the clinic for his second chemo treatment. His white blood count was low from last week so they took another blood sample today. His white blood count was a little lower than before. There is nothing he can do about his white blood count but continue to wash his hands and keep his distance from sick people. The doctor said he was okay to have his treatment today and it seems to him that Matt runs on the low end of normal to begin with. His chemo treatment should last until about 3:30 or so. So far he hasn't felt sick and is in very high spirits. He brought the x-box to play video games with and several different movies. The nurses here are also wonderful! Matt enjoys their company and caring ways. Matt also was not yet approved for a different way of receiving chemo which would be by pills so we still have to come back to the clinic on Wednesday for labs and to be disconnected. Here are a couple of pictures of Matt goofing around in the office and just having a little fun. Also there is a picture of Matt and his nurses at the UW Cancer Clinic. They have been extremely helpful and caring through this journey. Thank you. Matt is getting more and more excited for his fun-filled weekend away.