Matthew Will, 20, passed away after a 13-month battle fighting Leukemia Friday, Aug. 26, 2011. He was born in Santa Maria to Christopher and Rosemarie Will. He attended elementary school in Nipomo, spent two years at Nipomo High School before he transferred to and graduated from San Luis Obispo High School, following the family's relocation to San Luis Obispo. He was to begin his freshman year at Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff when in July 2010, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. Under the care of Stanford Hospital, Matthew endured many months of
hospitalization and out-patiend treatment here in San Luis Obispo. Despite numerous setbacks and complications with his illness, Matthew was determined to overcome this disease, whatever the sacrifice. His journey inspired many.
Matthew is survived by his parents, Christopher and Rosemare; older sister, Elizabeth and younger sister, Abigail; aunts and uncles John Will (Karen), Kevin Will (Jill), Anthony Will (Ann), Timothy Rooney (Jane), William Kirkpatrick, and uncle and godfather, Joseph Will (Sherri).
He is also survived by 18 cousins; grandma, Anne Will of Santa Maria; and grandparents, Jake and Ruth Kirkpatrick of Sacramento.
The recitation of the rosary will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29. 2011, at the Old Mission Catholic Church in San Luis Obispo.
The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011, also the Mission, with burial to follow at the Old Mission Cemetery in San Luis Obispo.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that tax deductible contributions be made "In Memory of Matthew Will" payable to Stanford University, c/o American Perspective Bank, 4051 Broad St. Ste. 140, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Your donation will help Stanford find a cure for this dreadful disease.
Published in Santa Maria Times on August 30, 2011