Meet the Novotny family: power parents Matt and Amber and their four wonderful children, 12-year-old Jayden, 7-year-old Greyson, 4-year-old Millie, and baby boy Cohen, 3 months. They’re a family that has always valued time together. Whether it’s the annual family trip to Nickelodeon Universe and Crayola Universe, trips to the zoo, or other local family fun, they make the most of every minute. Unfortunately, thanks to an ongoing battle Matt — known to friends and family as Mighty Matt — is fighting against cancer, most of those outings haven’t been possible lately, and the cost of a family vacation is out of the question. But it doesn’t really matter; this crew knows that time with family is one of life’s greatest gifts. There’s fun to be had around the house, and they can still follow football — though which team you’re cheering for depends on which family member you talk to.

Devastating news

In 2019, this fun-loving family received some hard news: Matt was diagnosed with stage 3 malignant melanoma that had spread to his lymph nodes. Surgeries removed much of the offending cancer, and he was receiving treatment for the remaining areas — until the treatment stopped working and the cancer began to spread. The family was so hopeful when a new treatment began — until this course of action also failed, causing this ugly and aggressive disease to advance and set up residence in more of Matt’s body. He’s been undergoing spot radiation and biweekly immunotherapy, and there’s been some gradual progress, but the treatment is costly, and he no longer has work insurance, so he’s having difficulty staying on the full regimen. Some generous co-workers donated leave, which activated his insurance again, but that’s a temporary situation. Biweekly occupational therapy helps with his pain, but it’s contingent upon insurance, so he’s going without that, too.

More setbacks

Out-of-pocket medications are extremely expensive, so the family does the best they can paying for what they can afford. On top of everything, they don’t really have reliable wheels; their main vehicle is also in need of a new engine and is currently in the shop, but they have not been able to have the repairs completed yet due to the extra costs of… well, everything. Matt and Amber hate that they can’t provide more necessities, let alone entertainment, for the family. The kids have been awesome during Matt’s illness and deserve so much more, but it’s so tough on one income. Megan Wiedel, who nominated the Novotny family, thought that these kind, caring folks could use something special for the holidays, and UBT’s Magic Moments Committee set out to do just that.

It’s all about family

UBT and our partners wanted to celebrate the bond of Team Novotny by supplying this family of sports fans with sports memorabilia, apparel, and tickets for all their favorite teams, and Matt will be fulfilling his dream of taking the fam to a Dallas Stars NHL game. The family will be enjoying lots of local outings, thanks to passes, gift cards, and gas cards, as well as an overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge. We also served up some much-needed necessities while giving each family member their own slice of holiday joy. We even included grooming services from Ty-D-Paws Express to ensure the holiday cheer extended to four-legged family as well!

Matt and Amber, may you enjoy many magical moments with your incredible family. Have a happy holiday, Novotny family!