Matthew, who is 12 years old, underwent brain surgery in July 2007 due to a cavernoma angioma, which is a congenital mostly non-hereditary malformation of a vein usually located in the brain or spinal cord that had more than likely been present since birth. From his operation, Matthew developed Ataxia which is an incurable degenerative disease of the central nervous system causing lack of movement and balance, speech slurring, double vision and loss of coordination.

Matthew, having everything going for his future, who loves music, drawing, playing guitar and aspires to be an actor after starring in school plays and local theater groups, is now bound to a wheelchair with limited vision and minimal mobility. He has endured many hospital visits, surgery and physical therapy through all of these recent diagnoses. His mother and father, Liz and Joe, have been researching and consulting with the doctors for the next course of action. They are considering many options to improve Matthew’s quality of life.  Regardless of which path that leads them down, they know that they will do whatever it takes no matter what the cost to better their son’s condition.

Some of us that work with Liz got together and started to think...Who could do this alone? Who could put a cap on cost for their child? Who wouldn't want to help? I believe the answer to these questions to be - No one! That's why we are planning this benefit on Sunday, April 13, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Ott's on the Green, Washington Twp., NJ. Please see the Event detail page for more information. We hope to see you there!

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi

: