Matt and Haley Dubas have lived a life of challenges and celebrations, tragedies and triumphs, and they’ve always chosen to focus on the triumphs. They didn’t expect their lives to be smooth sailing, but they really weren’t prepared for such rough waters, either. It’s OK, though. They’ve ridden the waves together.

The year was 2000, and Matt Dubas enlisted in the Marines. He was proud to serve his country and was excelling in basic training. He had almost completed it when hospitalization for severe heat stroke resulted in an honorable discharge from the Marines. Matt was devastated, and felt helpless as the events of 9/11 unfolded — he really wanted to support this country that he so loved, but was unable to do so. It just was what it was, and a pivot was in order. He liked being busy, helping people, and working with his hands, so he started a repair business, and life was pretty good. It got better when he married Haley, his high school sweetheart and a paraeducator, in 2008. Life improved even more when Marek was born in 2012, though some difficulties around his birth had them worried for a bit. He’s thriving now, though — what a bright light in their lives! He was Haley’s beacon while she was sick, as she was diagnosed with both endometrial cancer and fallopian cancer in 2020 — pretty rough stuff, especially during a pandemic. She underwent surgery and spent the next year doing chemo and radiation. She was steadfast in her recovery goal, and in September 2022, the Dubas family got some great news: Haley was officially in remission!

Grateful and generous

Haley’s nominator describes Haley as “the sweetest, kindest, most loving human being that we have ever known” and says that though Matt and Haley are faced with tremendous medical bills, they remain grateful and generous. Haley kept a positive, upbeat attitude throughout her illness, working hard to keep everyone else's spirits up. Matt is always so supportive, and despite his long work hours and a thousand details to tend to, he makes spending time with Haley and Marek a daily priority. The family is so appreciative of time together and treasure family outings, movie time, or a great video game (that’s mostly Matt and Marek; Haley prefers a good concert and drags Matt along!).

Bringing holiday joy

UBT and the Magic Moments team are proud to bring a little joy to this tight-knit, positive little family who love so deeply and always put each other first. A couple of our partners will be removing trees and helping with some home improvements, because we want Matt to be able to focus on the family during home time. A date night with dinner and a performance is in order for sweethearts Matt and Haley; plus, Haley will receive a much-deserved spa day, and Matt and Marek will be rocking new video games. Thanks to a family fun pack, a whole year of outings and togetherness is in store, and each family member will receive special gifts chosen just for them. Dubas family, we wish you all the wonder of the season!