Matthew Brester 1972 - 2008

Matt courageously battled cancer for the past ten plus years. He was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer while in college at the University of Nebraska—Omaha (UNO). However, before beginning his college career, Matt served his country in the US Army.

Born in Cozad, Nebraska, Matt grew up in Dodge, Ne, and then attended Mount Michael Benedictine for his high school education. At the Mount he drew close to many people and always held Mount Michael in a very special place in his heart.

Matt’s diagnosis of cancer came shortly after he became engaged to Michelle Wall. He and Michelle planned their wedding in record time and were married on December 26, 1997. Matt had his thyroid removed and endured radiation with the hopes his cancer would be put into remission. Matt continued with his studies, graduated from UNO and was accepted to medical school at the University of NE Medical Center.

Undeterred by his diagnosis, Matt vowed to live life to its fullest and pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. For the next several years, Matt would endure surgeries to remove cancerous lymph nodes in his neck and lungs. While this may have deterred the cancer some, Matt’s resolve become stronger and stronger.

Matt began medical school in the fall of 1999. Throughout med-school, Matt’s Christmas and Spring breaks were filled with surgeries and radiation treatments. There were happy times as well – especially as the children began to come along – first Abigail (Abby) and Joshua (Josh) – born February 25, 2002. The third child, a son, Caleb, arrived August 11, 2003.

Matt graduated for UNMC in the spring of 2003 and made the decision to leave his beloved Husker state – but only temporarily. Matt’s residency was in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He adapted to life in the South quickly, but made it very clear to all whom he met that he was, is and would always be a Husker fan. He endeared himself to all who met him. When Matt underwent chemotherapy, his co-workers and his son, Caleb, shaved their heads for moral support. It was around this time that several physicians Matt worked with banded together to raise money for Matt and Michelle’s children. They established trusts for the children’s education. The loving support the Bresters’ received from their friends in North Carolina was unsurpassable.

When in North Carolina, Matt made trips to MD Anderson and Johns Hopkins, hoping to find a course of treatment that would extend his life and hopefully send his cancer into remission. Matt’s resolve continued to be tested. In 2005, he underwent a painful craniotomy to remove cancer lesions on his brain. While some may have given up, Matt’s dream of becoming a doctor was coming into view for him and only made him stronger.

Loving Nebraska like he did, Matt felt the pull to return home upon completion of his residency. Matt was recruited to work for a practice in Omaha and began his career in earnest, doing what he loved to do—helping others and giving back. Upon his return to Omaha, his battle with cancer intensified. He underwent internal and external radiation and chemotherapy.

On February 2, 2007, Matt and Michelle were again blessed with another set of twins – Emily and Owen.

This past September, Matt stopped working full-time and concentrated on getting well. Throughout Matt’s ten - year battle, he lived a life that many only aspire to. He was a loving, sympathetic and caring husband and father—a devoted, hard-working and patient doctor—but most of all he was a survivor. He never gave up hope, nor asked for favors or special treatment. He lived life to the fullest! He realized his life-long dream of becoming a doctor and gave back to so many in countless ways. Matt cherished his family and was happiest in the presence of his devoted wife Michelle and their five children.

Matt passed away peacefully in the presence of his wife, Michelle—early morning – February 19, 2008. Matt is survived by Michelle and their five children: Abigail, Joshua, Caleb, Owen and Emily.

Memorials may be made to: Brester Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank

Fremont Tribune Obituary