Matthew’s Legacy
Matthew was someone you think of as an overall wonderful person. A team player, and the most influential and kind son, grandson, brother, and cousin anyone could ask for. He knew how to be funny at the right moments, cared deeply about the people around him, and wanted them to be happy. His passion for soccer, family, and friends fueled him through his journey after being diagnosed with medulloblastoma.
He was diagnosed suddenly in April of 2022. It all began very differently—he was taken to Norton Children’s Emergency Room for a scan due to a concussion, and the doctors ordered multiple scans to figure out what was going on. They found a tumor in his cerebellum, known as medulloblastoma. Over 17 months, he underwent 6 weeks of radiation and 9 rounds of chemotherapy to fight this terrible disease. In July of 2023, he was able to ring the bell to mark the end of his chemotherapy and treatment.
During this time, Matthew graduated high school, attended prom, and stayed in touch with friends from all over. He always had an amazingly positive outlook on life and his diagnosis. Every day, he lived to the fullest and wanted to make people smile.
However, in August of this year, Matthew began sleeping excessively and not feeling well almost every day. One day, he collapsed at home and was rushed to Norton Children’s Hospital. There, he lost all cognitive and physical abilities that helped him function comfortably. We couldn’t wrap our minds around how this terrible disease had affected Matthew. The doctors informed us that his cancer had come back rapidly, now spreading to his brain and spine.
The last few days we had with Matthew were extremely difficult, but we will always be grateful for every moment we shared with him. The doctors were able to take tissue samples of his tumors and donate them to a research facility to help further cancer research. We are grateful for the care Matthew received and for the care we received during this difficult process. He will forever remain with us.
For anyone facing the same difficulties my son Matthew faced, know that you are strong. No matter what you are diagnosed with, you are courageous and will be able to battle the obstacles that come your way. “One step at a time,” Matthew once said in a WLKY interview. It’s something that always sticks with me when I am feeling hopeless. I hope Matthew’s story can inspire you to be brave and strong through what you are facing, and thank you for reading!
Our Donation Story
Our donation story has meant the world to our family. Knowing that Matthew will be able to help future patients by donating tissue samples is amazing to hear. We hope that his contribution can further research as much as possible.