2025 Families

For 2025, we’re proud to select the following three families for our Tell Your Story recipients

Cody Ellsworth:

I am writing on behalf of my husband, Cody Ellsworth. At just 23 years old, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on December 30, 2016. He went through so many different chemo’s for three years on top of many radiation treatments, and in 2019, he had a stem cell transplant. We really hope that was going to work and after the transplant it came back, and he had to do more radiation. After that final round of radiation he was in remission. THANK GOD!

But in March of this year (2025) we got the news that it was back again. He has been doing treatment since the beginning of June and we’re really hoping it works and it gets him to remission again. This time has definitely been harder as our children are older (12 and 9), and they understand more and are more scared. I feel it’s also a lot scarier this time because he had so much chemo and radiation in addition to the stem cell transplant. There is only so much treatment that is offered to him so we are in really high hopes that this regimen works this time. My husband is probably the strongest man I’ve ever met. He has been the sole provider through both treatments working, no matter how sick he is. He is a fighter!

Matt Baker:

Matt Baker is a 49-year-old husband, father, and proud member of the Louisville, Ohio community. He and his wife, Toni, along with their two children, Maggie (17) and Jake (15), have built their lives in Louisville, giving back generously to the place they’ve always called home. Matt has spent countless hours volunteering as a coach for Louisville Little Leopard Football and youth baseball, helping shape the lives of young athletes in the area. He is also an active member of both the local baseball board and the Louisville Touchdown Club. Toni, a teacher and coach, shares his same passion for giving back and continues to dedicate her time and energy to the people of Louisville. Both Matt and Toni are proud Louisville graduates who have invested their hearts and efforts into strengthening the community.

In addition to his community involvement, Matt is the co-owner of Buckeye 1 Masonry, a company he and his business partner built from the ground up more than a decade ago. Tragically, in the winter of 2025, Matt was diagnosed with two forms of cancer after discovering a lump on his neck. He was diagnosed with Stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma P16 positive in his throat and lymph nodes, along with Stage 2, grade 2 squamous cell carcinoma P16 negative in his vocal cords. In April, Matt underwent surgery to remove the lump, followed by a second surgery in May to remove his tonsils and a portion of his tongue, where doctors believed the cancer had originated. He began a difficult seven-week regimen of chemotherapy and radiation in June at Aultman Hospital in Canton. As a result of the aggressive treatment, Matt will now have to rely on a feeding tube due to extreme throat pain, loss of appetite, and the need to maintain proper nutrition to support his healing process.

Due to the physical demands of his work and the toll of treatment, Matt is unable to continue working as a mason, which has created a serious financial strain on the Baker family. While the Louisville community has shown immense love and support through kind words and thoughtful gestures, the challenges remain overwhelming. The financial, emotional, and physical burdens of Matt’s diagnosis are deeply felt, and the family is in urgent need of additional help.

I am reaching out in hopes that Rockin’ Out Cancer can help alleviate some of the financial hardship they are experiencing. A donation would provide vital relief during this incredibly difficult time, allowing Matt and his family to focus on healing and spending time together rather than worrying about how to pay for everyday expenses. Matt and Toni have always given selflessly to others, and it would be a true blessing to see them feel the same love and support in return. My own family was fortunate to be selected in 2016, and the donation we received from Rockin’ Out Cancer made an immeasurable difference during my husband’s cancer battle. It helped with groceries, gas for treatment visits, and medical fees…I will forever be grateful. I know firsthand how powerful this support can be, and I truly believe the Baker family deserves to feel that same hope and relief. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Tejay Gorby:

I am nominating my husband, Tejay Gorby, age 40, for this honor. We met as teenagers at 14 and 15, and over the past 18 years—five of them as a married couple—he has been my best friend and an exceptional father. Together, we have two remarkable children, Temperance (12) and Sawyer (7), and Tejay is a devoted stepfather to my 20-year-old son.  A hands-on, adventurous dad, Tejay  has taught our children to ride bikes, four-wheelers, and dirt bikes, sharing his love for building and fixing things. I lovingly call him our “Time the Toolman Taylor” for his knack for tinkering  with vehicles and projects, always involving the kids in his passions.

When I was pregnant with Sawyer, Tejay began experiencing constipation and weight loss. Despite normal blood work and a doctor’s initial recommendation of stool softeners and dietary changes, his symptoms persisted. One day, significate blood in the toilet prompted an ER visit, where doctors suggested a burst hemorrhoid without thorough examination. We insisted on further testing and secured a referral to a gastrointestinal specialist. On October 30, 2018, at age 33, Tejay underwent a colonoscopy. The doctor delivered devastating news: “I’m sorry, you have cancer.” A biopsy confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma (early-onset colorectal cancer) at the Cleveland Clinic in November 2018. From December 2018 to January 2019, Tejay endured five days a week of radiation and chemotherapy. In April 2019, surgeons removed the tumor and part of his intestine, placing a temporary ileostomy. Additional chemotherapy began in June 2019 but was halted early due to neurological side effects. In December 2019 the ileostomy was reversed. From 2020 to 2022, Tejay managed complications from surgeries and treatments but remained in remission. However, rising cancer markers led to an MRI in June 2022, revealing a new 3.2 cm mass-his  cancer had returned. Tejay underwent radiation in September 2022 but declined surgery due to quality-of-life concerns. In 2023, he sought non-invasive clinical trials at University Hospitals, but required chemotherapy which then caused a bowel tear, abscesses, and sepsis. In February 2024, Tejay spent nearly the entire month hospitalized, undergoing four surgeries, including a new colostomy, as we returned to the Cleveland Clinic. Encouragingly, scans showed no cancer, and his cancer markers dropped. With physical therapy, Tejay regained some strength and activity.

In August 2024, Tejay developed urinary issues and increasing pain. Despite his persistent advocacy, doctors didn’t identify the cause until an MRI in January 2025 revealed that his tumor had grown and spread to his prostate, bladder, and pelvic region, hidden by the bladder on earlier scans. Diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, Tejay faced another setback when his bladder burst, requiring nephrostomy tubes in both kidneys to divert urine. He now undergoes surgery every 6-8 weeks to replace these tubes.

Due to severe side effects, Tejay has chosen to forgo further chemotherapy and is exploring holistic and alternative therapies to extend his life. His unwavering goal is to watch Temperance and Sawyer grow up. Sawyer, now 7, has never known a healthy dad, and Temperance, now 12, struggles to recall the days when Tejay could ride four-wheelers and dirt bikes with them. Nerve damage and chronic pain now leave him mostly bedridden, but he hopes to attend Sawyer and Temperance’s sports events. Tejay’s illness has profoundly impacted our family, yet we strive to maintain normalcy, especially for the children. Sawyer plays baseball and dreams of becoming an astronaut, while Temperance excels in cheer, marching band, volleyball, and basketball. Both thrive in school, supported by a compassionate school community. As a postal service clerk, I work six days a week to support our family, juggling household chores, the kids’ activities, and caregiving. The demands are overwhelming, but we persevere, inspired by Tejay’s resilience.

While many families deserve this honor, I humbly nominate Tejay and our family. This recognition would provide immense emotional and practical support, allowing us to focus on creating lasting memories with Temperance and Sawyer. Tejay’s courage and our family’s resilience reflect the strength this award celebrates. People often say, “I don’t know how you do it.” My response reflects Tejay’s spirit: You never know how strong you can be until you have no choice but to be strong.