Matthew's Surprise Vacation Fund
Donation protected
When Matthew was only 5 years old he had been very sick with high fevers, lethargy and no appetite. His family brought him to the hospital and doctors diagnosed him with Pre-B ALL Leukemia. He received a bone marrow test and doctors discovered that 90% of his bone marrow and 5% of his blood was infected with leukemia. By day 4 in the hospital, 22% of Matthew’s blood stream was covered in leukemia.
He began chemotherapy immediately, and was admitted to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg for a month. He underwent injection and spinal chemotherapy 2–3 times a week for the first year. After that, he started oral chemotherapy, sometimes up to 15 pills a night, injection chemotherapy once a month and spinal lumbar puncture chemotherapy once every 3 months for the next 2 years. Matthew’s reactions to the chemo hospitalized him several times—hair loss, mouth sores, leg pain, platelet transfusions, blood clots, factor 5 (a bleeding disorder) and a platelet function disorder.
Matthew, who is 8years old (he'll be celebrating his 9th birthday in just a couple more weeks), recently finished his last round of chemotherapy on December 2, 2014 and will continue to see an oncologist until he is 21 years old. Matthew is a true, strong hero and inspiration.
We are asking for donations on Matthew’s behalf. We’d love to surprise him and his family (a younger sister, an older sister and his mom and Dad) with annual passes to Busch Gardens & Adventure Island OR any vacation of his choice this holiday season. Your support and love during this season of giving would mean the world to little Matthew and his family. No amount is too small. Let’s work together and take care of this sweet, courageous boy!
*Update as of 12/8: Thank you to all that have donated, shared Matthew's story and/or continue to keep him in your thoughts & prayers. As of today, we have not only met our goal, but exceeded our goal and hope to continue to do so in order to make Matthew's surprise even more special. I do know Matthew has been asking his Mom to take a special "trip" in celebration of being cancer free as of last week, so whether it be park passes or a family vacation (I know an Orlando Disney Trip is at the top of his list :)), we want it to be as great as ever for their time together as a family, so please continue to share this link with freinds and family! Thank you again! ~Kirsten
He began chemotherapy immediately, and was admitted to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg for a month. He underwent injection and spinal chemotherapy 2–3 times a week for the first year. After that, he started oral chemotherapy, sometimes up to 15 pills a night, injection chemotherapy once a month and spinal lumbar puncture chemotherapy once every 3 months for the next 2 years. Matthew’s reactions to the chemo hospitalized him several times—hair loss, mouth sores, leg pain, platelet transfusions, blood clots, factor 5 (a bleeding disorder) and a platelet function disorder.
Matthew, who is 8years old (he'll be celebrating his 9th birthday in just a couple more weeks), recently finished his last round of chemotherapy on December 2, 2014 and will continue to see an oncologist until he is 21 years old. Matthew is a true, strong hero and inspiration.
We are asking for donations on Matthew’s behalf. We’d love to surprise him and his family (a younger sister, an older sister and his mom and Dad) with annual passes to Busch Gardens & Adventure Island OR any vacation of his choice this holiday season. Your support and love during this season of giving would mean the world to little Matthew and his family. No amount is too small. Let’s work together and take care of this sweet, courageous boy!
*Update as of 12/8: Thank you to all that have donated, shared Matthew's story and/or continue to keep him in your thoughts & prayers. As of today, we have not only met our goal, but exceeded our goal and hope to continue to do so in order to make Matthew's surprise even more special. I do know Matthew has been asking his Mom to take a special "trip" in celebration of being cancer free as of last week, so whether it be park passes or a family vacation (I know an Orlando Disney Trip is at the top of his list :)), we want it to be as great as ever for their time together as a family, so please continue to share this link with freinds and family! Thank you again! ~Kirsten
Organizer
Kirsten Karl
Organizer
Clearwater, FL
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