Fundraiser planned for ailing former Hanover Park basketball player
The Hanover Park High School community is rallying around one of its own, a recent graduate who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer over the summer.
Matthew Geisser, 20, of East Hanover, was preparing to head back to Towson University to begin his junior year this summer when he felt a pain in his leg.
“He was getting physical therapy at the time, rehabbing his shoulder, and his shin started bothering him,” said Todd Hartmann, Geisser’s former basketball coach at Hanover Park. “He didn’t think much of it at first, but eventually he got an MRI just to make sure he was okay before heading back to college. That’s when his life changed.”
Geisser was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. Instead of heading back to college like all of his friends, he took off the year and immediately began chemotherapy.
After the first round of treatment, Geisser’s leg was operated on last week. He remains in pain but healing, and will undergo more rounds of chemotherapy once he improves.
“Everything has gone as well as could have been expected. It’s encouraging,” Hartmann said. “When battling something like this a positive attitude is one of the biggest weapons you have at your disposal, and that’s one of Matt’s greatest attributes.”
Hartmann said after Geisser graduated high school two years ago they remained close, speaking on the phone weekly, with Geisser returning when he could to help coach basketball camps.
“He’s the kind of kid that grows on you. So polite and appreciative of everything. The kind you compare future players to the model that he set,” Hartmann said. “When you coach somebody you get to really know them. And as a coach you have players that stick with you, that you develop a special relationship with, which goes beyond player and coach. He’s really one of my own.”
Hartmann has known the Geisser family for more than 12 years. Matthew and his older brother Mike were both captains for his Hanover Park basketball teams.
“They’re great kids from a great family, some of the closest people I’ve ever met through coaching. They’re like a second family to me,” Hartmann said. “Those two kids were raised the right way, beloved by everybody and not trying to impress. That’s who they are.”
It’s because of that he felt compelled to do something for Matthew and the Geisser family.
“My mind has been on Matt from the second I got the news. I wanted to do whatever I could. When you care for someone, you want to help, but you feel helpless. I’m not a doctor. So what else could I do for Matt?” Hartmann said. “I’ve never not thought he was going to beat this. I’ve been 100 percent confident, and I just wanted to put together a celebration, a big party, in honor of Matt.”
The event will be held at Hanover Park High School on Nov. 22, at 7 p.m. Two days before Thanksgiving, the celebration is timed to coincide with the return of Geisser’s friends for the holiday.
“When something like this happens in Hanover Park, we rally. The amount of people who volunteered to help, simply because of who Matt is and what he means to them, has been incredible. Everyone wanted to help out so it was very easy to put together,” Hartmann said. “Matt’s humbled by the support, but I’m not surprised. He just goes through his life doing good things and treating people right. This is a testament to how loved he is in the community.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to buzz their hair or receive hair streaks in solidarity with Geisser. There will also be free throw competitions, a tricky tray, food, a DJ, a bagpipe band, and more.
“We want it to be a huge celebration of Matt,” Hartmann said. “We want everyone to come out and show him just how much we all love him and are rooting for him. It’s going to be a fun night.”
Geisser is confident he will be able to attend, pledging to do whatever it takes to make it there. Should he be unable, Hartmann said projectors will be set up so he can Skype into the event from the hospital.
“Those days in the hospital can get long and this will be a fun way to take his mind off things, honor him, and raise as much money as we can to help him out because medical bills are crazy,” Hartmann said.
“When you see how he’s handled everything, so positive and composed while facing the fight of his life, it’s hard not to get behind him. I’m truly changed for knowing him and watching him go through this.”
People attending the event are asked to provide a $10 donation to help the Geisser family with medical expenses.
“He’s facing the challenge of his life and his spirit has never wavered. He’s looking toward life after he beats this. As a coach I am proud to see a player with this much mental strength and toughness,” Hartmann said.
“How he’s dealing with this is not unexpected but it is inspirational. He’s been braver in this situation than I would have been. I speak with him and instead of me keeping his spirits up he’s the one doing it for me. Your heart breaks for him but you see the determination. I never have any doubt he’s going to beat this because of that attitude.”
Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com
If you go:
Fundraiser for Matthew Geisser
Where: Hanover Park High School, 63 Mount Pleasant Avenue in East Hanover
When: Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m.
Admission: $10 donation
