Country singer Matt Snook has devoted many years of his life to songwriting and performing on-stage around the globe for his many fans. His talent has even taken him to compete on NBC’s ‘The Voice’. But a few months ago he was forced to take on a challenge like no other he had ever faced.
It began with an initial diagnosis of pneumonia.
“I couldn’t breathe very well and had a persistent cough,” Snook said. “My last musical performance was Nov. 12, 2023. I flew Michael Peterson in from Las Vegas to perform for a private event. He was very kind and helped me through a couple performances that weekend by carrying equipment and singing a couple extra sets.”
When he was still ill on Jan. 1, he left his home in his pajamas to go to ER. He knew there was something wrong and he was fully expecting to spend a few days in the hospital.
“At the ER, I was diagnosed with cancer, but the origin was not clear,” Snook said. “Toward the end of January, after several procedures and a deep bone tissue surgery - I was diagnosed with Renal Cell Sarcomatoid Carcinoma. It is an incurable and rare kidney disease.”
His first thought after hearing the diagnosis was “Well, that makes sense. I knew there was something wrong.”
Snook said the doctors and nurses at North Kansas City Hospital were supportive and helpful during his three-day visit during the many tests he took trying to identify the source of the cancer.
“I recall taking an EBUS (scan of lymph node between lungs and also lung tissue) and a bone biopsy (needle based procedure) on Jan. 3 and getting released that evening to catch my son’s basketball game in Maysville, Mo.
While his breathing has improved due to cancer treatments and medication, he is now dealing with pain, nausea and fatigue.
“My oncologist is from KU Medical Center,” Snook said. “He and his staff have been priceless as I travel down this last adventure. They have explained, listened and been very responsive to my needs. I am blessed.”
Undergoing the treatment has left him unable to have a normal day of activities.
“Singing publicly for me is probably over,” Snook said. “I don’t have the energy or stamina to perform.”
While sensing the possible end of his live performances didn’t bother him very much, that changed when he was asked to sing at the Military Spouse of the Year Awards in Arlington, Va. “I guess I was okay with not singing, but maybe wasn’t okay with not serving,” Snook said. “I’ve had to tell lots of folks why I can’t perform for them this year.”
The cancer has also halted other hobbies and activities that Snook enjoyed.
“A lot of people might not know this about me, but I have been an avid Texas Hold’em Player since I was 21. Last year was my best financial revenue stream ever as I was transitioning from a cash game player to a tournament player. I had plans to decrease the number of musical performances on my schedule in 2024, so I could increase travel to play on the WSOP, WPT and other poker tour circuits. I am hopeful to be able to get back to it as my health improves, but am not sure if I can pursue tournament play due to the 13- to 14-hour days that it requires. So I’ll just have to wait and see.”
The most challenging part of going through this health challenge for Snook is the thought of his many friends, fans and family having to process the disease.”Knowing that they would hurt for me,” Snook said. “That has probably been the most challenging part.”
One of his favorite ways of dealing with his treatment is spending time with his kids and wife.
“She has been the best caretaker, Snook said. “I’m glad I chose wisely when picking a life partner. I’ve seen many marriages crumble due to significant events over my musical travels. It never entered my mind as we processed our new normal and I never go without love and support under my roof or within our community.”
He has only played his guitar twice in the last four months, once when his niece visited and once when no one was home.
“I wanted to see if I could still sing,” Snook said. “First 20 minutes was rough, but I actually ended up okay over the next 20 minutes.”
He has not had any issues with keeping his spirits up and he said the community has surrounded his family with love and support. He has enjoyed reconnecting with many people since the news of his illness broke.
“Not once have I asked myself...why me? I’m not angry or bitter. The only time I’ve been emotional is when I was thinking of people or memories I am thankful for. My life is full of many blessed chapters. I quit working a day job 18 years ago and told all my friends, I decided to retire early and live backwards. I feel really smart and thankful about that now. After posting my health news on my website, one of the first emails I received was from Poland. Someone I had met in Telluride, Colo. about 15 years ago. The reconnecting, has been a beautiful thing.”
With the understanding that at this time, his cancer is incurable, Snook’s main focus is extending life in a quality, and most comfortable way possible.
Snook has always enjoyed sharing advice when it comes to living, because it has worked well for him. His view has been: “What do you want? What is your plan? Are you happy? Re-evaluate often.”
For others who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis and are frightened and stressed about what lies ahead for them, Snook said, “I try not to give too much advice when it comes to death. I don’t mind sharing why I am not afraid of death. I have lived a life pursuing multiple passions and am proud of my body of work. I have no regrets and from my experiences understand the blessing of expected death vs. unexpected death. Nothing has been left unsaid for me.”