Hear Matt's story, as featured on KS95 For Kids.


A fighting spirit

Justifying his nickname in everyway, accomplished athlete Matt Hoff, aka Thor (the red-headed God of Thunder of Norse lore), conquered his opponents on the playing field with vigor and grit. In 2006, he was face to face with the most formidable of foes, cancer, which would be the most intense physical and mental challenge of his young life. 

During the spring of Matt’s senior year in high school, he broke his arm and dislocated his shoulder in a lacrosse game. Several weeks had passed with no improvement in Matt’s condition— his arm was actually getting worse. Matt’s parents brought him back to the hospital where they found the arm had not healed due to a cancerous tumor in the bone. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, or cancer of the bone.

"I was stunned," recalled Matt. Life seemed dramatically different just a few months earlier. But, like any successful athlete, he realized that adjustments needed to be made to effectively execute a game plan — even in the game of life.  "Athletics have taught me to battle things to the end and to leave everything on the field."  

Matt was soon referred to the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview for treatment. His experience also introduced him to Children’s Cancer Research Fund and their work in advancing the prevention, treatment and cure of childhood cancers. "Children’s Cancer Research Fund is a great organization, and they are really trying to learn more about cancer so they can help other kids beat the disease," he said. Matt became a spokesperson for Children’s Cancer Research Fund, sharing his courageous story.

Even throughout this difficult fight, which included chemotherapy regimens, surgeries and eventually an arm amputation, Matt’s never-give-up attitude and upbeat spirit was never broken. Matt lost his battle with cancer in October 2008, but remains an inspiration to all who hear his story. 

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