An Oregon Love Story

Love Story

Jun 16

On June 23, 2022, Margaret and Matt will gather with their nearest and dearest to renew their vows and to celebrate 20 beautiful years of marriage.

This sweet couple first met in 1999 while attending a graduate school program in TX for teaching the deaf. Matt is a member of the deaf community and Margaret studied American Sign Language in her undergraduate program. The two hit it off immediately and began dating.

They were married in 2002 and began identifying a city to settle down in. They decided on the Portland region where Matt’s family lived, found jobs and started a family. The couple went on to have four children who range from college age down to a sweet seven-year-old. Margaret has spent many years as a teacher and Matt is a superintendent of a school for the deaf in their community.

Three years ago, Margaret’s doctor found a lump in her breast during a routine mammogram. After further testing, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent an aggressive treatment schedule which included a mastectomy, a surgery to have her ovaries removed, chemotherapy and radiation. Then Covid hit. Shortly after finishing her chemo, Margaret broke her leg, further delaying much needed healing in her body. She spent the next year trying to recover, while struggling with the lasting effects of her treatment.

In October of 2021, Margaret’s doctors discovered a large, cancerous tumor in her sacrum. Unfortunately, the tumor cannot be removed and Margaret has been enduring radiation and hormone therapy in hopes of shrinking it and preventing the spread of her cancer.

Despite the constant pain and fatigue that Margaret battles daily, she’s doing her best to stay positive and hopeful for her sweet family. Throughout it all, Matt and Margaret’s relationship has continued to grow and mature and they are excited to celebrate alongside the people who have loved and supported them on their journey.