Matt Damon & Ming Tsai Host 'Cooking Live Boston' for Family Reach, Raising $1.5M for Cancer Care
Family Reach, a nonprofit dedicated to removing financial barriers around cancer care, stepped in to help Norwood mom Raquel. The organization subsidized her rent for a year, enabling her to focus on her son Mikalo's cancer treatment. Meanwhile, Oscar winner Matt Damon and celebrity Chef Ming Tsai hosted 'Cooking Live Boston' to raise funds for Family Reach, with a target of over $1.5 million.
Mikalo, diagnosed with cancer before the age of two, is now cancer-free. His mother Raquel's struggle was eased by Family Reach's assistance. The organization, led by CEO Carla Tardif, understands that insurance doesn't cover non-medical expenses like food, housing, transportation, and utilities. These costs often push families into financial crisis.
The 'Cooking Live Boston' event, held on Monday, October 6, 2025, was part of Hulu's Fall TV Preview. It featured shows like 'Chad Powers' and 'The Man in My Basement'. Matt Damon, who has personal experience with blood cancer in his family, shared that while his family had resources to handle non-medical expenses, many families face severe struggles without such support.
Family Reach's mission is crucial in helping families like Raquel's navigate the financial challenges that come with cancer care. The 'Cooking Live Boston' event, hosted by Matt Damon and Ming Tsai, aimed to raise significant funds to support this cause. With insurance not covering non-medical expenses, organizations like Family Reach play a vital role in ensuring families can focus on their loved ones' health.
