Short Summary
No one ever thinks cancer will happen to them. At least our family didn't. When my sister Christina's 12 year old son, Matthew, started having back spasms in late July 2012, everyone including the doctors thought he had a muscle problem. Well, to make a long story short, we were wrong.
In mid-October Matthew began spiking high fevers, along with a hive-like rash. The spasms got worse and worse to the point where he would be stuck on the floor crying out in pain. This is not something physical therapy (per the doctor's orders) was going to fix. Christina, being the amazing mother she is, knew there had to be something else wrong. Even though the doctors seemed to act like Matthew was fine, she demanded they run full tests and bloodwork immediately. She would not let up until they figured out what was causing her son to be sick.
The moment the blood work results were given was the moment Christina and Matthew's life changed forever. They rushed to the doctor's office to receive the diagnosis and were told to go to The Childrens Hosptial of Philadelphia immediately. It was a Saturday night. Knowing this was something that could not wait until Monday was a sign that they had to prepare for bad news.
The doctors confirmed their suspicions were correct and broke the news to my family. Matthew has leukemia.
To read their full story, check out their blog at:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthewknoebel
What We Need
Matthew is currently residing at CHOP until he has completed his first chemo treatment, and must remain their until his immune system re-strengthens. Should be 4-6 weeks. When he does get released, he will have a strict home care regimine that Christina must constantly be on top of (with the help of her loving family of course!).
Basically, their home must be 99.9% germ free so that Matthew does not develope any type of infection. For this reason, Christina has to make some minor home modifications that will of course add up in cost. Since she is already burdened with the stress of watching her sweet little buddy Matthew endure the indescribable experience of cancer and going through treatment, I do not want to add the financial burden of spending her much needed money on preparing her home for Matthew's return. I WANT TO DO THIS FOR HER - WITH YOUR HELP!!! As I'm sure you can imagine she needs all the money she can get just for hosptial bills etc.
Any funds raised with this campaign will go straight to this cause. We can help:
-pay the bill to have all the air-ducts cleaned in their home
-purchase portable air purifiers in addition to air filters
-purchase the Dyson Animal DC41 vacuum - which alone costs over $600!! but this is highly beneficial to have for someone with Matthew's condition.
-and it will just cover any other added costs for anything else they need.
The Impact
We want Matthew to live the most "normal" healthy life possible!! He is a truly amazing kid. He is so strong and brave, and to watch him go through this whole process is heartbreaking. He is our little angel. I have never been so proud of someone in my entire life. He is so courageous. He barely complains about everything he has to endure right now. He worries more about making sure his mom eats something, or making sure Chrissy gets some sleep. Such a sweet considerate kid!! So let's help him get better! :) He deserves it!
Other Ways You Can Help
Many of our friends any family have already reached out to help in plenty of other ways. I would never ask for anyone to give more than they are capable. If you cannot donate - please just send your caring love and prayers our way. Christina and Matthew and the whole family could always just use a hug ;)