Matthew Wade Smith II’s was the kind of person who showed up fully for his family, his friends and his future. Born in Stockton, California, he was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend, known for his warm heart, strong values and unmistakable enthusiasm for life. A passionate baseball player and lifelong New York Yankees fan, Matthew also carried a deep sense of purpose; he was determined to make a difference in the world. As he prepared to enter the Los Angeles Police Academy, his life took a dramatic turn. In April 2013, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer, a rare and daunting challenge.
Despite the diagnosis, Matthew never lost faith or hope. He met each day with courage, humor, and resolve, inspiring those around him with his unwavering spirit. His family stood closely beside him through it all, cherishing every moment together and drawing strength from his spirit. Ultimately, his cancer was too aggressive, and he passed away, leaving a legacy of love, courage and compassion.
Matthew’s Team: Turning Grief into Community Impact
Navigating tremendous loss, about a year and half after his passing in 2015, Matthew’s sister Sierra set out to carry his legacy forward. “Thinking about Matthew and his heart for helping others motivated me,” says Sierra. “I wanted to continue his work, create a positive impact and make a difference just as Matthew would have.”
Transforming heartbreak into hope, Sierra established Matthew’s Team gathering family, friends, and loved ones together to give back and carry Matthew’s legacy forward.
“I know kids fighting cancer held a very special place in Matthew’s heart,” shared Sierra. “And I know how much City of Hope® helped Matthew and my family. At City of Hope, we saw firsthand how compassion in medicine looks like. The doctors, nurses, and staff at City of Hope became more than his caregivers — they became part of his team, guiding him through every step of his battle. Their compassion and commitment were a big comfort to our family.”
Over the past ten years, Matthew’s Team has grown from a local effort into a nationwide community of supporters united to bring joy and comfort to those in need. To date, Matthew’s Team has raised more than $431,000 to support City of Hope cancer research. Annually over the last decade Matthew’s Team has created moments of joy and kindness, united their community, encouraged donations, hosted blood drives, and hosted fundraisers delivering over 10,000 toys, over 1,200 love notes and gift bags. They have also hosted ‘Rally for a Family’ initiatives with over $1,000 in personalized gifts for families. Matthew’s Team has touched the lives of many patients, reminding them at City of Hope no family is ever alone. Their ongoing dedication honors Matthew’s memory and brings hope to countless families, ensuring that his spirit of generosity and courage lives on.
As Kidney Cancer Awareness Month shines a light on the challenges families face, Matthew’s Team remains committed to raising awareness, supporting research, and providing tangible help to those fighting cancer – carrying Matthew’s legacy forward. “Matthew’s journey may have ended, but through every act of kindness, every family supported and every life touched, his legacy brings hope to those still fighting,” says Sierra.
The Urgent Need for Kidney Cancer Research
March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. Kidney cancer is among the 10 most common cancers in U.S. men and women, making up 3%–5% of all cases. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026, there will be about 80,450 new kidney cancer cases and 15,160 related deaths. At City of Hope, clinicians and researchers are developing new therapies and offering diverse clinical trials in chemotherapy, targeted treatments, surgery, radiation, and prevention. Learn more about ongoing studies and eligibility on our clinical trials page.
