'Miles For Matt' Fundraiser For Physical Trainer Sick Out Of Blue

CUTCHOGUE, NY — A Cutchogue woman is running to help her son-in-law, once strong and healthy, who now cannot walk without a cane after falling suddenly and inexplicably ill.

A GoFundMe, "Miles For Matt," was created by Karen Lieblein for Matthew Grzesik.

"Matt was a healthy, active, certified physical trainer and then, earlier this year and completely out of the blue, he got sick," Lieblein wrote. "Matt and Elizabeth, my daughter, have been going to numerous doctors' appointments and for testing to try and determine what is causing the pain and weakness on his right side that he deals with on a daily basis."

Matt, she said, hasn't been able to work for months and Elizabeth has been working as the sole provider to support the two of them.

Lieblein said she is calling her campaign "Miles for Matt" because he helped her to get strong enough to run. "He helped me tweak my strength training and exercise routine to help me to transform my body," she said.

Lieblein is currently running between three and four days a week and lifting weights to train for her first 5K to honor him on November 9. After that race, she said she will continue to run and train for more 5Ks, working up to a 10K, and eventually a half marathon, all to honor him.

"When I run and lift, I'm doing it for him because he can't," Lieblein said. "My miles are for Matt. While they wait to find out a definitive diagnosis, Elizabeth continues to be the sole provider, while also attending a PhD program in psychology at the University of Kansas. Their budget is severely limited and the money that is raised will go directly to them to help pay for daily living expenses and copays for medical visits. It will help ease some anxiety so that he can focus on finding out what is wrong. Until he gets a definitive diagnosis, it's difficult to qualify to receive any assistance from disability so any money raised is a blessing."

The photo above, Lieblein said, is from the couple's wedding day on September 30, 2017.

"I see him holding her up in his arms and it breaks my heart to know he may never be able to physically do that again," she said. "But I do know that they lift each other up with their love and support of one another. Their love and strength as a couple is an inspiration to me. Their positive attitude and specifically his, despite all he is going through, helps propel me. I want to take the time to thank in advance, all who help. It is with a heavy heart that I ask for it and I truly appreciate your support. No matter what you can give, it is all a blessing. All the donations will go directly to Elizabeth and Matt."

To donate, click here.