Deseret News | Man shares cancer story through song

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Man shares cancer story through song

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amy | 12:12 p.m. April 26, 2009

that was a great story about Matt so glad hes doing good. I am glad hes helping others. the only problem i had with the story is why did they have to bring up things about his wife....that's definitely not how it went down Ive met the ponds believe me that's not how it went down.

Amber | 12:17 p.m. April 26, 2009

Good for Matt and glad that hes doing great. I do wish that they wouldn't have posted things that are untrue about his wife. I don't think that's very good journalism.

Brian | 12:18 p.m. April 26, 2009

good job Matt what a good story

Comments continue below

Todd | 2:57 p.m. April 26, 2009

Excellent article. Matt, you're an inspiration!

Elizabeth | 5:25 p.m. April 26, 2009

Great article, Cynthia. Matt is a real inspiration and so are you!

Chuck | 6:23 p.m. April 26, 2009

This is a great story about Matt. Cynthia, you have an eloquent way with words that makes your stories so easy to read. Keep up the good work, both you and Matt.

Brigitte | 6:48 p.m. April 26, 2009

What a great story! Thank you so much for writing it. Matt is a great inspiration to everyone! His story has helped me so much. It has been a hard road and it has been a privelage to be around Matt, just to watch his courage, faith and endurance. My husband and I have been close to Matt throughout the entire experience. I thought the article was well written and VERY accurate. If you know anything about journalism, you would see that it was written in such a way that there could be no dispute about its accuracy. Thanks Again.

Gina | 6:50 p.m. April 26, 2009

What a well written story Cynthia. Thank you. Matt you have been such an amazing example of total and pure faith over the last 3 years. With all you have been through, I'm constantly in awe over your faith and positive attitude. To a previous comment above, as Matt's backyard neighbor for many years, I know the family well and there are always more sides to a story and I disagree with your comment.

Anne | 7:49 p.m. April 26, 2009

What a story Matt. Your such a inspiration. Keep up the good work. Come to Florida and talk to our youth - it would be fantastic. Cynthia well done - you have such a talent.

Janet - Marysville, WA | 7:51 p.m. April 26, 2009

Well written, good to know that in these trying times, someone is out giving hope to the next generation.

Debbie.C. of Graham | 8:05 p.m. April 26, 2009

I felt that Matt took what the world(Cancer) through at him,and ran foreward towards a fieldgoal. Versus giving up and being tackled,not to
try again. Now he is playing it foreward to current Cancer patients and teaching many "survival skills" for whatever may come upon any of us. Matt you're Awesome! Cynthia, Great Article!!

Linda | 8:52 p.m. April 26, 2009

The events written about Matt aroused many different feelings within my heart and memories. The writer was wise to include these different feelings which made the article applicable to a large audience, in fact, most of us have had our own Gethsemane. Some still have their tests to go through. This example of Matt's can and will provide excellent experiences that other's can follow and finally find hope, peace and even joy among the turmoils of life.

John | 10:31 p.m. April 26, 2009

This is an inspiring story. So many look up to Matt. He truly is a man of faith.

Jennifer | 7:31 a.m. April 27, 2009

This is a great story. I always enjoy reading stories with a happy ending and that give hope. Although there may be two sides to every story, the journalist has written the article in an appropriate way. It was a great read, well written.

jennifer | 7:34 a.m. April 27, 2009

i agree with the first comment....sorry that's my opinion. but i am proud of matt for getting through this

Kala | 8:31 a.m. April 27, 2009

I consider my life more enriched and blessed to know Matt Pond and I am very thankful that he has so much faith and courage. It is inspiring to all of us and I'm so happy that he is able to share with others.

Jennifer | 8:39 a.m. April 27, 2009

Matt truly is one of the most inspiring people I know. He is a man of faith, courage and forgiveness. We have walked by Matt's side through his MANY trials the past few years and know that God has blessed him and continues to bless and sustain him. I want everyone out there who reads this to know that Matt cherishes his boys and that he is an amazing father. It doesn't matter what Matt has been accused of or what he's been put through--he is always positive and kind. Heavenly Father knows the truth and that's all that matters. To me, he has triumphed over many trials, his health not being the largest. In my opinion, he will be blessed in the eternities for how he has handled everything that has been given him. As for above comments, I want you to know that my husband was there the moment Matt was kicked out of his his home. This article is accurate. And, we do know the Pond family personally. They are kind, forgiving, PATIENT and loving people. Please don't speak of others unless you know the truth. We love you, Matt!

Leeza | 8:47 a.m. April 27, 2009

I think this is a wonderful story. I think the information about his wife is very relevant. It shows that he suffered physically and emotionally. Whatever the reason for the seperation, it is clear that she didn't have the resolve to stand by her man when he needed her most. Shame on her. Thank you for this story. Matt is an inspiration!

Jennifer | 8:59 a.m. April 27, 2009

Matt is an amazing man! He is full of faith, courage, determination and forgiveness. I have learned so much from Matt about what is truly important in life. His little boys are so lucky to have him for their daddy! I know angels are watching over the 4 of them. I am truly amazed at the love and support Matt's family gives to him in ALL of his trials. They are such loving, selfless and kind people. I agree with Gina in the above comment.

Michelle | 9:12 a.m. April 27, 2009

Matt I just wanted to let you know how much your story had touched our family. When you sang at my sister's wedding I have never laughed so hard. I glad to see that you are continuing to make people laugh. Thank you so much!

Melonie | 9:18 a.m. April 27, 2009

Thanks for sharing Matt's story with so many people. Keep up the good work by inspiring those around you, Matt!

Paul | 9:27 a.m. April 27, 2009

Cynthia, I love your articles. I have been looking for them on a daily basis and hoping your inspiring reflections of real life would be there. Hope to see more stories like Matt's in the future. We will pray for Matt and others like him, thanks again for bringing something happy to the sometimes wicked world

Lynette | 9:45 a.m. April 27, 2009

Matt, you are an inspiration. I am so happy your life is moving on in such wonderful ways!

Holly | 10:21 a.m. April 27, 2009

Matt is very much missed here in Idaho. Wonderful man...showing his true colors through his many trials. Miss ya Matt.

Matt N. | 10:32 a.m. April 27, 2009

Nice artical. Matt should be proud of the way the writer captured his story with a sincere since of professionalism and taste.

Lee Williams | 10:44 a.m. April 27, 2009

Cynthia, this is a very encouraging story. Please continue to broadcast the accomplishments and personal successes of others. I believe in miracles and stories like this one strengthen my faith in what The Father will do, if you put your trust in Him. Keep bringing us these wonderful human interest stories. In this day and age, we need it more than ever.

JB | 10:45 a.m. April 27, 2009

Matt, I will always think of you with nothing but the fondest memories. Getting to know you, being close to you and developing our friendship is something I will always treasure. I'm a better father today because of the way you loved your sons and I'm a more patient and grateful person due to the way you handled the trials of your cancer. At the time you were first going through this I realized, that even though certain people abandoned you when you needed them most--your Lord will never leave you comfortless.

God Bless You

Tammy | 11:01 a.m. April 27, 2009

Well written story about strength and perseverance. Im glad Cynthia didnt leave out personal details, it added to his inspirational story. Cancer and divorce are two ugly subjects that no one likes to discuss, and everyone likes to sugar coat. Faith and family support are always important, especially at a time of illness. Thank you, Matt for sharing your story and speaking nationally.

Anonymous | 11:28 a.m. April 27, 2009

"...If being diagnosed with brain cancer and told he was going to die wasn't enough, Pond said his wife kicked him out of their house and they have since divorced..."

This is all that was said during the article about the divorce. Simply stating that he went through more than just the cancer. Which is true. This is Matt's Story of success after trials. Those involved have moved on and so should we. Please stop trying to make it about something or Someone else.

Anonymous | 11:43 a.m. April 27, 2009

Cynthia, as a member of the family, I would encourage you to get both sides to the story before you include a personal jab. Having watched this whole scenario play out, I can assure you that it was not Matt's wife kicking him out, but overzealous family members pulling him away from her. It would have been worth your time to talk to her. I am proud of my uncles progress and his accomplishments and continue to pray for him and wish him well. I also pray for his ex-wife and children as this is a battle they all fought.

Amanda | 12:07 p.m. April 27, 2009

I am glad to hear that Matt is doing so well and touching so many lives. As for the above controversy I knew Matt and Melissa and they are both great people. I wish them all the best.

Jessica | 12:32 p.m. April 27, 2009

What an AMAZING story of rising above, Matt...YOU ROCK!!! What a fabulous inspiring person you are and will continue to be. A note for future commenters....PLEASE, PLEASE do not comment on anything other than the positives in this story. After reading such an uplifting article, most of the comments ruined the spirit felt. I wish my comment would appear at the top to warn other readers to skip the comments....wish I had. LOVE YOU, MATT :)

Anonymous | 12:50 p.m. April 27, 2009

What a wonderful story of rising above. Well written Cynthia.

Anonymous | 12:52 p.m. April 27, 2009

What a wonderful story. I'm sure the kids he is presenting his story to are just loving it! What a cute name "If I only had a Brain". Way to reach out to others.

ks | 2:37 p.m. April 27, 2009

You have written a very heart-warming story, My dissapointment is the one sentence about his wife. As a journalist, shouldn't you get both sides of the story before you paint this woman to be a cold-hearted person? Isn't that what journalism is all about- finding as much information as you can? I personally feel you either should have left out that sentence or interviewed both parties. Very dissapointing-

Anonymous | 5:42 p.m. April 27, 2009

just read the article and now the comments have no idea who anyone is but you people sound crazy. What a mess. poor matt and his wife and especially 3 little boys. does anyone think about how they will feel when they hear people talk about their mother and father like this. It sounds like many of you don't care about how they feel. Shame on You

Ryan | 6:05 p.m. April 27, 2009

Matt has been an example to me my whole life. I am glad MY uncle is doing so well. Getting to watch him overcome trials makes me more aware of a bigger plan, and to realize that the Lord is in charge. Keep up the good work Matt. Love Ya.

Anonymous | 7:06 p.m. April 27, 2009

again anonymous above why in the world are you talking about their mother that way. not one person has criticized Matt nobody has disputed that hes over come a lot. you love those little boys? then show them by not being unkind.

k | 8:09 p.m. April 27, 2009

Why doesen't everyone stop and think about the things you are saying this is Matt's ex-wife, the mother of his children. We need to speak of her with the most respect. She has fought a good fight and at the end of the day she knows and the Lord knows what truly went on here, and she can hold her head high and know she did her best to keep her whole family together. She is a wonderful wife and mother, she has been my aunt for years and I couldn't be more proud of how she handled herself.
She is a incredible woman, and she is trying to move on with her life, please give her the respect she has earned and deserves. Thank Kolbi

Folleen | 9:30 p.m. April 27, 2009

I married into the Pond family over 31 years ago, and it has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of such a wonderful family. Matt is an incredible person -- always has been since I've known him. He has been taught well by his wonderful parents and has always had loving support by MOST of his brothers and all of his sisters. To be in Matt's presence, is truly an uplift. He is one of the positive men I know in the face of great adversity. I might add he is also an incredible father--his boys adore him. I don't have to say "keep the faith, Matt" because he always has and always will!

Steve | 8:36 a.m. April 28, 2009

Cancer survival sometimes is just that. "survival". I have seen many times in my profession a divorce occur as a result of this devistating disease. Unfortunately, sometimes separating one selves from negative conditions is the only way to survive. It is evident that through these emotionally charged comments,this man made the only choice to survive. No one can dispute his survival, and his spouses survival. Matt, keep on giving back. Your story is truly inspirational.Therapy may be needed by many responders more so than by you. Unfortunately tumors come is all shapes and sizes.

Barbara | 8:44 a.m. April 28, 2009

It was great to read something good and positive about Matt. He has touched our lives for the good. We are grateful for our association with him and his family. Good for you, Matt! Keep on doing what you do best--loving and living. Our son loves playing guitar and singing with you, Matt. And thank you for the inspiring story, Cynthia.

Karen | 9:53 a.m. April 28, 2009

I agree with Steve I too have seen the affects of cancer and do know that the divorce rate is very high especially brain cancer. They are both survivors and we should all do our best to lend support and love to both no matter what side of the isle we stand on. They still have 3 very young little boys who need both a mom and a dad. This hate cant be good for them...kids are smarter than we think.

Anonymous | 10:07 a.m. April 28, 2009

Stud, survivor, single, stripling-warrior, Savior-like, need I say more?

Reader | 10:51 a.m. April 28, 2009

It sounds like Matt is doing well. I hope the best for him. However, what is up with this family. Not knowing the whole situation, you guys all sound NUTS!!!! It sounds like if everyone could just step away, and love each other things would be a lot better......Ever heard of a GROUP HUG?

Nikki | 11:13 a.m. April 28, 2009

So happy you are doing well Matt. You are a talented individual with a bright future. Hooray for the doctors at Huntsman Cancer!!! I am so glad they were willing and able to help you.

Marna | 12:02 p.m. April 28, 2009

As a mother of a Son that went through Divorce and has 2 little girls,and sees them part time. I know that divorce in itself is quite dibilitating and very stressful on both ends. the "who's,what's why's where's " are always questioned. And may not be totally satisfied. THEN, you add a physical Disease upon the" Normal life", and you get something else of a greater magnatude than the "US". I'm proud of Matt to keep going "inspite of" the messiness that life throws at him. As well as EACH other person in this world. Everyone is doing the best that THEY can do in whatever situation that comes along, hooray! to all to keep moving foreward, one step at a time. Let us try not to be too judgemental, and critical of another's circumstance and be thankful WE don't have to "walk" in their shoes. Keep on going Matt!-Wonderful story Cynthia

kristin | 12:20 p.m. April 28, 2009

Hey Cynthia, great article. Matt you are awesome guy. Always keep up the example of that "it's not about the ME", and you will always do great things. Also, that any article that is published goes through the testing of How Many proof readers, and then Final testing of Editors who have the power to change sentence structures and phrases to "make" a story. The original writer (an employee) may not have the space allowed to tell the "whole" story, or the other side could've been the Part 2" of it. People are very quick to land on Negatives, and point them out. And as I have read previous comments the positives far EXCEED the negative. There are always two sides of a story. That is part of life. I am proud to be able to use modern day devises such as the internet, to comuunicate with others about their "life Struggles" and know that people do care. Matt you are truly a decent man, Awesome job of getting a 2nd DR opinion. And Great job to the supportive family & friends along the way. thanks Matt and Cynthia

Kassy | 1:12 p.m. April 28, 2009

I totally love Matt's ex-wife and think she is an excellent mother who through adversity has shown nothing but class. She loves those boys and will ALWAYS do whats best for them. Matt I am glad you are doing what you love. Singing and performing is in your blood and you deserve to be happy also. I'm glad your health is good and you are able to live a good life. I wish things had turned out differently but the past is the past.

Reader2 | 1:30 p.m. April 28, 2009

I think from this we can all see that there are 2 sides to every story.. As a family member I am glad to hear my uncle doing well you are in my thoughts and prayers. In defense of the ex wife (my aunt) we all know that she did not kick him out she did what she needed to do, and it seems as though it was a blessing. She is so happy and the 3 boys are now in a stable environment surrounded by people that love them and that is what matters most.

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