Matthew is 12 years old. He was just starting his first year at Ida Middle School, starting his first year of football, and was excited to play in his first game. Unfortunately on September 7th 2025, while cleaning his room he began to experience pain in his legs. He sat down for a while to rest, when he went to get back up he was unable to stand and fell down. He had lost complete functioning in his legs.
He was then taken by ambulance to Toledo Children’s hospital where he under went many tests, including MRIs and a spinal tap. He was given the devastation Diagnoses of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) on September 15th. This is a rare and serious neurological disease that affects the spinal cord's nerve cells. As of September 3rd 2025, there have only been 781 confirmed cases in the United States.
After this diagnosis came Matthew continued for an additional 3 weeks in the hospital in inpatient rehab where he worked extremely hard to regain strength in his legs.
Due to his long hospital stay, continued therapy needs, and sudden lack of independence his mother had to quit her job to stay by his side and help him through his journey of recovery. Along with continued therapy needs, Matthew’s home has had to be modified to become more wheelchair accessible for him.
Matthew has been strong through his many tests, fears, and grueling therapy sessions. He is a very strong kid and it has been rare to still not see a smile on his face or for him to be thinking of the other kids and what they are going through.
Through out his hospital stay he often did not want to take the various items that the hospital staff would give him because he didn’t want to take it from another kid who was sick. This is just the caring kid that Matthew is. We want to show him that he is cared for as well, that his kindness, thoughtfulness, and empathy are truly appreciated by everyone else.
Please join us in showing this family the LOVE and SUPPORT of the community.
TACO DINNER $15 tickets @door CASH. (3 tacos, chips and salsa)
RAFFLE BASKETS
50/50
BAKE SALE
CASH BAR
Also check out other Nonprofit events in Monroe, Sports events in Monroe, Dance events in Monroe.
