Community Rallies For Longtime Friend Facing New Health Challenge

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — The community has once again joined hands and hearts to help a friend facing a health challenge.

A GoFundMe, "Donate to Matthew's Journey to Recovery and Mobility," was launched by Terence Moore.

"Matthew has had a long road," Moore wrote. "Starting in 2009 when he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and went through numerous chemo treatments, which did not work. In 2011, he received a bone marrow transplant at Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital. In 2021, the cancer came back in his spine, causing full neuropathy in his legs. He was taking more than 90 milligrams of steroids for over two years which, along with the chemo, deteriorated his bones."

Curran, a longtime district sales manager for Boening Brothers Beer and Ale distributors, as well as a familiar face behind the bar at Buckley’s and the Boardy Barn, is known as a dedicated member of the Eastern Long Island Police Pipes and Drums. Having lived in the area for more than 30 years, he told Patch in 2011 that "the people out here take care of one another."

And now, those who love him are standing beside Curran as he faces a new hurdle.

"In February of 2023, his left knee disintegrated and he was no longer able to walk," Moore said. "In July, 2023, he had a successful knee replacement. After his two-week check-up, he was told he should be walking in four weeks. After leaving that meeting with the doctor, while in the parking lot and getting into the vehicle for his ride home, his knee gave out, causing a fall — he hit the knee on the truck, causing the incision to fully open."

Curran, Moore said, was immediately brought back to the emergency room and required a full knee operation, once again, to clean out the wound and to prevent infection. The operation was a success — until four months later, when another fall caused his kneecap to dislodge. The doctors performed a third knee operation, Moore said.

"This operation was not a success; four weeks later the kneecap shifted again. Currently, he is awaiting a fourth surgery, scheduled for August 26," Moore said.

Curran, Moore said, "is still not able to walk a year and a half later, which has left him unemployed since March 3, 2023."

In order to keep his insurance, Curran has had to pay for Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA). "That, along with the bills it takes to maintain a house, has drained his savings and retirement plan. He has always been generous and helped out a worthy cause, now it’s time for us to help him. We are hoping this surgery will get him walking and back to work. Please consider making a donation so we can get him back on his feet."

Curran spoke to Patch about the outpouring of love. "I’m just so appreciative of the people in our community. Always a helping hand."

While he said the idea of another surgery daunts, "I have no other choice. 'Keep going' is my motto."

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.