Hello Everyone,

My name is Sandra Lanz and I am a friend of the Stiles and Schmidt family and on October 3, 2024 they experienced a parents worst nightmare with the loss of their 17 year old son Matthew. I would like to start this GoFundMe to help support the family with the celebration of life, numerous unexpected expenses and every day needs while they grieve the loss of their beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin.

Matthew has touched and inspired the lives of everyone he has met including his teachers at Herald School, twins group, care workers, all the nursing staff/doctors at the Medicine Hat Hospital & The Alberta Children's hospital in Calgary, friends, family and countless others who had the privilege of knowing Matthew.

During Matthew's short life he has battled through countless medical issues. Matthew was diagnosed with MCT-8 Defficencey which caused Global Development delay, Spastic Quadriplegia as well as tube fed. Although Matthew was non verbal his facial expressions and constant smiles allowed him to express his joy. At the age of 10 he was also diagnosed with Chrones disease which led to many hospitalizations and surgeries. After fighting this unspeakable disease for 8 years he declined through the summer and passed away peacefully on October 3rd 2024.

The family has covered the ongoing cost of Matthew's medical needs throughout his life, and now with the sudden passing of Matthew the family was not prepared for the financial hardship of a service and celebration of life. As Matthew passed 9 days prior to his 18 birthday, he does not qualify for government funding

As a friend of the family it breaks my heart to see a family lose their child and then have additional financial stress of the service and celebration of life. Any support you can contribute to this family would be greatly appreciated.