Chrissy and Matt Stewart are not to be underestimated, under any circumstances. And, the circumstances have been more than this adorable, yet incredibly strong couple ever bargained for. They are both from Omaha, Nebraska, and they met because Chrissy and Matt’s sister were roommates in college. Even though everyone thought Matt should meet Chrissy, it didn’t happen immediately. But, when it did – sparks flew!
Matt was acting in a production of Barefoot in the Park in Sioux City, Iowa, and Chrissy and his sister went to see the performance, and that was when they felt the connection. With Chrissy in school in Kearney, Nebraska, and Matt working in Iowa, there was some long-distance dating and eventually on April 6, 2002, a wedding was thrown into the schedule of her school, his work, and their moving. The couple finally ended up in Kansas City after a stop in Cincinnati, Ohio. Matt, the FOX4 morning news anchor, and Chrissy, the clinical dietitian at Children’s Mercy Hospital had a wonderful marriage – really strong, as they like to describe it – and three amazing kids, Jackson, Alex, and Maddy, ranging in age from 15-20. They had cultivated great joy in their lives.
With Chrissy’s diagnosis in 2021 of angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, their worlds came crashing in when most people were just trying to navigate COVID-19. With regular and equally aggressive chemotherapy, Chrissy is currently NED (no evidence of disease), but getting chemo and scans on regular intervals. Imagine their utter disbelief when Matt was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in July of 2024. His scans included findings of tumors in his brain, lungs, rectum, and spine. He immediately underwent surgery, radiation, and chemo, and he continues chemo. As of right now, his scans are looking good, and he and Chrissy are cautiously optimistic about their futures.
Two parents with cancer sure puts things in perspective for a family of five, but the Stewart kids have rallied. Daughter Maddy helped orchestrate the comeback vow renewal for her parents that left everyone in awe and tears. The organization, Wish Upon A Wedding, helps couples with terminal illnesses have the wedding or vow renewal of their dreams at no cost to the couple. They had contacted Matt about a vow renewal ceremony, but he didn’t think it would be worth the time and effort. When he told Maddy about it, she absolutely disagreed and said they must do it!
So, on February 23rd, right before their 23rd anniversary, at The Grand Hall at Power & Light, Chrissy and Matt stood in front of 50 friends and family members and made their strong marriage even stronger. But, the real barn-burning moment occurred when Maddy showed up for the daddy-daughter dance wearing Chrissy’s original wedding dress (which fit like it was made for her with not one alteration)! With literally not a dry eye in the house, Matt and Chrissy were both blown away by the love, the care, the thoughtfulness, and the support, shown by everyone associated with the day. Everyone chose joy that day.
The Stewarts continue to choose joy in even the smallest things. They love having coffee together on Sunday mornings while they organize their calendars and make sure they don’t ever overlap chemo appointments again – a big mistake only made once! They revel in the little pieces of everyday life that keep the rest of us grunting and groaning. A presentation at Maddy’s school? Yes! A chance to divide and conquer by Matt going to a wrestling match with Maddy and Chrissy visiting Jackson in Manhattan for a mother-son weekend, Yes!
They are both still working, attending fundraisers, having date nights, going to Royals games, and living life. And, while they’re at it, Matt is a six-time author. His newest release is available now, and it is titled, The Ark Angel. (We’re not exactly sure how he has had time to write another book, but more information can be found at mattstewartbooks.com.)
Even when they let themselves address the sobering feelings that come with two serious health issues, Chrissy and Matt still choose joy. It’s not that they ignore the situation, they just choose to take actions that are necessary, and then move on to joyful things – quickly. Chrissy and Matt take great comfort in each other’s company, in their families, in their careers, in their hobbies, and in their love for each other. It is truly inspirational.
Featured in the May 31, 2025 issue of The Independent
By Anne Potter Russ
