- M
On October 21st 2018, 4-year old Matthew Park was admitted to Children’s Hospital LA (CHLA) for pain in his legs which quickly progressed to the paralysis of both legs and severe weakness that affected his arms, torso and neck. After a battery of testing including blood tests, x-rays, ultrasound, spinal tap, and MRI, Matthew Park was diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). He is 1 of 6 confirmed cases in 2018 in California.
What is AFM?
AFM is a “polio-like” disease that affects less than one in a million people each year and is still a relatively new disease. It is suspected that there may be an underlying infectious component, such as an enterovirus, which normally causes a mild respiratory infection in most people. However, in cases of AFM, the disease progresses to this debilitating loss of motor function to the extremities and can result in the loss of function to the muscles required to breathe properly. While there is still very little known about this disease, 2018 has seen an alarming increase in the number of confirmed AFM cases. (Source: CDC ). In response, the CDC has launched a special task force for AFM. There is no known cure and there are extremely limited medical treatment options, all of which are given during the initial onset and acute phase.
Current Treatment
Since Matthew’s diagnosis, he received treatment at CHLA undergoing daily intensive physical and occupational therapy to regain function and strength in his arms and legs. Matthew has shown improvement in his motor skills and has regained some strength in his upper body. He is still paralyzed in his legs but continues to work hard to regain strength. The doctors cannot provide a long-term prognosis. The only thing they can say is “wait and see”. They do not know the extent or timeline of how long his recovery will take. It could take years and may require a lifetime of medical treatment. Mike and Frances initially were told that Matthew will not recover. They are determined to prove them wrong. He was already made improvements that have “pleasantly surprised” his neurologists and other doctors. Despite the uncertainty, Matthew’s infectious smile, positive attitude and resilient determination continues to inspire anyone who knows him.
As the Park family continue down the road to recovery, they have traveled across the US to Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) to continue Matthew’s intensive rehabilitation. KKI is one of the most internationally and recognized facilities for pediatric spinal cord injuries and treating children with AFM. They are partners with John Hopkins and share faculty and collaborate on research. While their journey will be tough, they make this journey with great faith and determination.
How is your gift going to help?
During this difficult time for the Park family, we are hopeful that Matthew will continue to improve and defy the odds and wish the family to give them strength and positivity in this fight. Throughout this time, the parents, Frances and Mike, will be taking a leave of absence from their work. They will need all the help and encouragement we can provide them. The cost of medical care and equipment can be astronomical and can devastate families. Our goal is to allow Mike and Frances to continue to devote all their efforts into Matthew’s recovery. There are many times when we may feel helpless, but our thoughts are always with them and we constantly think about what we can do to help.
Please take this moment to help encourage the support of Matthew and the Park family with their current and future journeys. We have set up this page for those that have graciously offered to donate towards medical bills and rehabilitation expenses for the long road ahead. We are grateful for any help you can provide; a gift of any amount will help. Another way that you can support is to share this with your friends, family, church or anyone else that may be able to do the same. Frances and Mike will update us with Matthew’s status as they get new developments and provide transparency on how your generous gifts are helping Matthew in his journey. Thank you for all your prayers and love.
God Bless you.
Friends and Family of the Parks – Mike, Frances, Matthew

What is AFM?
AFM is a “polio-like” disease that affects less than one in a million people each year and is still a relatively new disease. It is suspected that there may be an underlying infectious component, such as an enterovirus, which normally causes a mild respiratory infection in most people. However, in cases of AFM, the disease progresses to this debilitating loss of motor function to the extremities and can result in the loss of function to the muscles required to breathe properly. While there is still very little known about this disease, 2018 has seen an alarming increase in the number of confirmed AFM cases. (Source: CDC ). In response, the CDC has launched a special task force for AFM. There is no known cure and there are extremely limited medical treatment options, all of which are given during the initial onset and acute phase.
Current Treatment
Since Matthew’s diagnosis, he received treatment at CHLA undergoing daily intensive physical and occupational therapy to regain function and strength in his arms and legs. Matthew has shown improvement in his motor skills and has regained some strength in his upper body. He is still paralyzed in his legs but continues to work hard to regain strength. The doctors cannot provide a long-term prognosis. The only thing they can say is “wait and see”. They do not know the extent or timeline of how long his recovery will take. It could take years and may require a lifetime of medical treatment. Mike and Frances initially were told that Matthew will not recover. They are determined to prove them wrong. He was already made improvements that have “pleasantly surprised” his neurologists and other doctors. Despite the uncertainty, Matthew’s infectious smile, positive attitude and resilient determination continues to inspire anyone who knows him.
As the Park family continue down the road to recovery, they have traveled across the US to Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) to continue Matthew’s intensive rehabilitation. KKI is one of the most internationally and recognized facilities for pediatric spinal cord injuries and treating children with AFM. They are partners with John Hopkins and share faculty and collaborate on research. While their journey will be tough, they make this journey with great faith and determination.
How is your gift going to help?
During this difficult time for the Park family, we are hopeful that Matthew will continue to improve and defy the odds and wish the family to give them strength and positivity in this fight. Throughout this time, the parents, Frances and Mike, will be taking a leave of absence from their work. They will need all the help and encouragement we can provide them. The cost of medical care and equipment can be astronomical and can devastate families. Our goal is to allow Mike and Frances to continue to devote all their efforts into Matthew’s recovery. There are many times when we may feel helpless, but our thoughts are always with them and we constantly think about what we can do to help.
Please take this moment to help encourage the support of Matthew and the Park family with their current and future journeys. We have set up this page for those that have graciously offered to donate towards medical bills and rehabilitation expenses for the long road ahead. We are grateful for any help you can provide; a gift of any amount will help. Another way that you can support is to share this with your friends, family, church or anyone else that may be able to do the same. Frances and Mike will update us with Matthew’s status as they get new developments and provide transparency on how your generous gifts are helping Matthew in his journey. Thank you for all your prayers and love.
God Bless you.
Friends and Family of the Parks – Mike, Frances, Matthew