Matthew's Heart Switcharoo

On December 26th Matthew — a sweet, loved 8-year old boy —  received a miracle: a much needed heart transplant. Matthew had dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure and was growing increasingly sick. He spent the last six months living at Mott's Children's Hospital at University of Michigan eventually needing feeding tubes and an LVAD device to help with his heart function.

Now, Matthew has a second chance at life. The initial transplant was a success and so far he is recovering well. The doctors are ready to send him home so he can begin a new phase of life with some normalcy — he is so excited. 

For Matthew, going "home" is exciting, but isn't as simple as it sounds. Transplant patients need a complicated and expensive mix of anti-rejection drugs, regular visits and a germ free home. Matthew comes from a military family. His dad is posted in Virginia, far from the hospital and is facing a possible deployment. Matthew and his Mom are staying in Michigan near the hospital until the doctors are comfortable with his progress. This means double housing costs for the family.  They are also expecting a medical bill with the hospital discharge. 

We're hoping to help Matthew's family raise some money to help cover these basic, but critical needs for the next few months:
— Co-pay costs that has come with the hospital discharge 
— Housing to keep Matthew near the hospital

Any amount, even $10 would be greatly appreciated by Matthew's family. The family has been moved by all the kindness shown by friends, family and strangers. Without all the support they would not have been able to get through everything they have. Now, they need a bit more help.
 
Here's a video of Matthew being cheered on by the medical staff on his way down to his transplant procedure + a video of him listening to his new heart. Let's help him get back on his feet.