Broken Arrow Father Dies After Fighting Cancer, COVID-19

A Broken Arrow family is mourning the loss of their loved one, who died after battling cancer and COVID-19.  Matt Cantwell's family said he got sick with the virus just days after his first round of chemotherapy. 

His now widow, Cindy Cantwell, said this summer they would have celebrated 23 years of marriage.  

"We got married young so, we always said, 'We're growing up together,’” she said.  

Matt, who was just 46 years old, worked as an insurance agent and was a big OSU fan. He leaves behind two sons, Caden and Camden.  

"He was a great dad. He was the best, and boy, he would do anything for his kids,” Cindy said.

Cindy said her husband had health issues for years, dealing with diabetes and arthritis.   

“In 2016 his appendix erupted when we were on a ski trip and he just hasn't felt good since then,” she said.  

Matt received his first round of chemotherapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia at the end of December, then went home. Cindy said he was not feeling his best, and eight days later, he went to the hospital, and tested positive for COVID-19. By mid-January, Matt was on a ventilator.  

"I don't think he had enough fight in his body after having the couple of days of treatment,” Cindy said.  

Cindy said she was able to spend time with Matt in his final days. He died early Monday morning.  

"He was not well. But I thought, you know, at least I can go in there,” she said. “Because nobody has said his ears are broken. So, I'm going to go in there and I'm going to talk to him and I'm going to pray over him. So that's what I did." 

She believes Matt has received "complete healing" and said her faith is bringing her a sense of peace. 

"I just have to keep trusting Him and that God's going to take care of us. He has so far, and I don't think he's going to stop that today,” Cindy said.  

As the family mourns, they still have medical and funeral expenses. So far nearly $30,000 has been raised, and if you'd like to help, click here.