Matthew was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 3 after suffering headaches and then going blind. After surgery he developed meningitis and we nearly lost him, but he's a fighter and survived. The tumor came back when he was 11, and he had more surgery, followed by radiation. All of this has left him legally blind and with brain damage and other health problems requiring regimens of medication and treatment. He never complains about that, just takes it in stride. He continues to lead as full a life as possible. He graduated from high school and even started college although the crushing fatigue he suffers did not allow him to complete it. He now stays home and helps take care of his dad who is disabled. He was always a friendly outgoing child. When he was having radiation therapy we would see the same people in the waiting room every day as the treatments lasted for two months. Matthew would work the room, talking to everyone, showing them some little treasure he had in his pocket like a pretty rock or a little toy. He brought a smile to everyone's face. One of the ladies who was there for treatment told him he was her hero, that if he could get up on the table and take his treatments so cheerfully, she could too. He said, "I can't be a hero, I'm only a little boy!" but she assured him he could be and was. He's my hero too!

Signed,
Laurie Cigan