Matthew R. Barrett (2/8/65 - 9/2/14). This is the story of a man who battled most of his life with disfiguring cancer and homelessness. This photo essay and the accompanying text covers details of his battle and his life journey, the three months I spent with him while he was living in Seattle's Tent City 3 and a long-awaited move into permanent housing.

"What a beautiful work of art. You have captured the reality of what so many endure on a daily basis, it had to change you in some way. I was changed by the mere reading of it, combined with the photographs left raw emotions. I stand and applaud Matt and all those that have/are homeless. Though it may seem "we" may never experience it, I am certain many that are now homeless once thought that same thing. Combined with a life altering disability, nothing is for certain. Simply beautiful."