For Blount and his family, the outpouring of community support has been a bright spot during an otherwise trying time.

“That (support) means a lot to us. God has blessed us in ways I can’t even tell you,” said Blount’s father, Barry. “It cost $1,500 for housing for the week-and-a-half he’s been here (in Houston). He has to pay 20 percent on his insurance, and that adds up to $8,000 for one day of testing.

“He doesn’t have any income right now. That’s why the love and support means so much to us,” Barry Blount said.

As a result of his chemotherapy and other treatments, Matthew Blount currently weights about 100 pounds. But the Army veteran has kept a positive attitude through his ordeal, Barry Blount said.

“It’s driving him crazy. He wants to take care of himself, but I tell him, ‘Matt, how can you do that while you’re fighting for your life?’ Barry Blount said. “As a father, it’s killing me.”

Matthew Blount said he is making plans to continue his military career in the future.

“There is still hope and I am still fighting,” Matthew Blount said. “I would love to go back into active duty after this is over.”