Matthew Weyenberg

Tom:

I'm so sorry to hear about this. That Kinnard boy sent me an email that had a link to this sad news about a month ago, but because I hardly ever use that email address anymore, I missed this.

I wish I had words that mattered, that could ease some of this. All I can think of, though, is just how incredibly unfair this is.

Peace, brother.

I worked with Matt while he interned in Liberia. I was struck by how humble and professional he was, and how willing to learn from everyone around him. He was also so funny, and fun to be around! We both left Liberia around the same time, and in Liberia it is traditional to give someone clothing before they go away for a long time. At our goodbye party, our colleagues gave Matt the customary shirt, but also a backpack, because they knew he was returning to school to study medicine. Matt will always be remembered through the lives he touched and his passion for global health, and my heart goes out to everyone affected by this loss.

I went on a service trip to the Dominican Republic with Matt. I think he was about 14 years old. He was already this terrific soul that cared so much about helping others. I remember he wanted to go back to a house in the village, where he was told not to go, so he asked me to go with him. My memory is that he wanted to say goodbye or check in on a particular person he had met. Seems like such a simple story but I was just so touched with Matt that day. He was always one of the kids you just liked.