On the morning of April 6th just after gym class my 13yr old son Matthew Cronin began experiencing  intense burning sensations in both legs. Matt described it has someone pouring hot lava on his legs. Matt found his way to the nurses station, screaming in agony Matt laid down while his dad Gene was on his way. That would be the last day Matt was able to stand and walk on his own. Matthew is an 8th grader at Orland Junior High School and is set to graduate on May 31st.

 Matt was taken to Loyola University later that day. During his 10 day stay Matt would be officially diagnosed with Fibrocartilaginous Embolism(Spinal cord stroke). Fibrocartilaginous Embolism is a rare cause of spinal cord infarction. So rare in children that Matt is the 3rd child in the country to be diagnosed with FE.  The stroke hit Matt at the T10 section of his spine, this controls his bladder and bowls. Matt has no control over both and requires catheterization every 3hrs  or as needed. The hope is Matt will regain both functions in time.  

 Matt is currently in rehab at Hope Children's Hospital. He has therapy Monday through Friday, 4hrs per day. Matt is set to come home on May 10th. Matt will continue intense day rehab at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab located in Burr Ridge, Illinois. A full recovery is hopefully but can take 6 months to a year. As his mom(Dawn) I have no doubt that Matt will be walking again.  Matthew is 100% committed to pushing himself until he can walk without the help from his walker, he really hates it. 

Please consider helping our son Matthew during this difficult time and with future needs. Please pass this page along to your family and friends.  Your contributions will help pay for medical supplies that are not covered under the families insurance plan. Those with the best insurance plans still accrue steep medical bills. God Bless The Children. 

  Sincerely,

 Gene, Dawn & Matthew Cronin