Former South Beloit Teacher of the Week Needs Our Love, Support and Prayers

A member of 97ZOK's extended family holds his young daughter close as the woman they adore, his wife, her mother, fights to stay alive.

It was November 1st of 2023 when I first met South Beloit High School teacher Matt Stucky. We arrived at the high school to surprise Matt with the news that he'd just become 97ZOK's Teacher of the Week, plus we had a big bundt cake and a gift card for some relaxation to also give him.

(I should mention that this wasn't our first time trying to catch Matt at work. The first time we tried to surprise him, his wife Melissa's 2nd bout with breast cancer had kept him from work that day.)

We stopped at the front office before heading to his classroom because, to our surprise, his biggest fan was waiting there to join our classroom visit, his wife Melissa.

READ: Matt Stucky from South Beloit High School is 97ZOK's Teacher of the Week

She surprised me by telling me that our young daughters are on the same softball team. Much of Melissa's treatments had kept her and Matt so busy that I hadn't had the chance to meet them yet.

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What a joy it was to see Matt and Melissa together at Swanson Park cheering for Maggie (front row, far right).

While it's impossible to know what God's plan is for the Stucky's and Melissa's Stage 4 cancer fight, I sure hope it includes the 3 of them at more softball games.

There is one thing I want you to help make sure of though.

Little Maggie's life is filled with uncertainty, let's do something that will honor her mom's legacy and give her something that NOBODY can ever take from her.

A college education.

From Matt''s Facebook page:

Many of you have been asking what you can do to help during this difficult time and in the future. Preparing Maggie financially to pursue her future career path has always been at the forefront of our parenting. Our dear friend, Allie Klazura, has set up a 529 college savings for people to donate to which would work in conjunction with the savings Melissa and I have already started.

There are 2 different ways to contribute to Maggie's 529 college savings account:

1. Email Allie at alexandra.salamone@gmail.com with your name and phone number. She will send you an email with a direct link to contribute to a Bright Start college fund that has been set up for Maggie.
2. Sign up to receive an invite to donate by filling out the form on this link: https://brightstart.com/give-a-gift/ Click on I am a: Contributor. The Account Owner is Matt Stucky and the Account Owner's Email is currently set as alexandra.salamone@gmail.com. The Beneficiary's First Name is Maggie.