Newly Formed Foundation Honors Late Orland Teen's Legacy, Supports Kids & Families In Cancer Fights

ORLAND PARK, IL — A newly established foundation honors the memory of an Orland Fire Protection District trustee's teen son, while raising support for children fighting cancer.

The Live Like Matthew Foundation was started by the family of Matthew Greenfield, a Sandburg High School junior who died in January 2025 at 17 years old. Son of Orland Fire District Trustee Angela Greenfield, the teen had battled cancer twice.

Now the family aspires to uplift others enduring a fight all too familiar to them.

"His warmth, his selfless heart, and the joy he brought to everyone around him touched all who knew him," the foundation said. "Although his life was cut far too short, the way he lived continues to inspire us to make a difference for children and families facing similar battles."

The foundation in his name is to "help children fighting pediatric cancer and other critical illnesses keep living, and put a smile on their face along the way.

"We stand beside their families so they know they're not alone. In honor of Matthew, who spent his life showing up for others, we live like Matthew."

During his cancer battles, Greenfield was taken under the wing of Oak Forest-based nonprofit Project Fire Buddies—a volunteer-led effort by local fire departments to show support for children battling critical illness and their families. The group provides moral support, friendship, and positivity for families in its circle.

The foundation seeks to provide similar support for families in those situations, through acts of service, experiences and more.

"We believe every child deserves moments of joy, hope, and normalcy, even in the midst of treatment," the foundation said. "Through the generosity of friends like you, we create meaningful experiences and offer encouragement during one of the hardest times a family can face. Whether it is a special outing, a small bucket-list moment, a gift card for a meal, or lawn care during a long hospital stay, our goal is to carry some of the weight so families can focus on what matters most, being together."

Now in its early days, the foundation will hold the inaugural Live Like Matthew Golf Outing, set for Sunday, Oct. 4 at Silver Lake Country Club. Golf spots are sold out, but dinner seats are still available for $65 for person. Donations are still being accepted.

'Never one to sit still'

In the days after his death, Greenfield was remembered as an ambitious teen who readily stepped up for others.

"He was never one to sit still—he’d rather be working than playing sports or video games," Project Fire Buddies said about him. "His passion for creating beauty and helping others was unmatched. When he learned that overgrown bushes made it difficult for first responders to reach a neighbor's home, he and his brother took it upon themselves to maintain the yard—for free—just to make sure help could arrive when needed."

Greenfield reflected his mother's ambitious side. He and his brother Michael started their own business—Greenfield Lawn Care. Lawn care is a service the foundation hopes to provide for families through the foundation.

"He loved cutting grass more than anything and would have done it for free, simply for the joy of the work," the organization said. "He turned that love into a business at a young age, and today it lives on as a thriving company still owned and operated by his brother Michael. Offering this simple act of service to families honors exactly who Matthew was."

Project Fire Buddies described as a "young man with an old soul ... a selfless, hardworking, and kind-hearted person who left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

"We remember Matthew as the kind of person who never complained, who radiated positivity, and who truly lived to serve others," the organization said. "He was everyone's best friend, a light in the lives of so many, and a young man whose legacy of kindness and generosity will never fade."

In trying to inspire support for his namesake foundation, the foundation described Matthew's fortitude.

"Matthew showed up for everyone, at a moment's notice, without ever being asked," they said. "Now we are asking you to show up, too. Together, we can turn heartbreak into hope and keep his spirit alive in every smile, every memory, and every act of kindness. "

Anyone seeking more information about the foundation or golf outing can email Livelikematthew1@gmail.com.