Matthew: Beating the Odds

Thank you to Matthew’s family for sharing his story this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us in canceling kids’ cancer for children and teens like Matthew with brain tumors.

Matthew I. is an 11-year-old boy with a bright smile and a positive attitude that can light up any room. At five years old, Matthew was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma brain tumor in June of 2015. Doctors performed a 17+ hour emergency surgery, and he spent two months in the hospital.

Matthew has beaten the odds but continues to face numerous challenges, including kidney problems, GI issues, hormone unbalance, and memory loss. Through all of his hospital visits, blood draws, and MRIs every 3–6 months, he keeps a smile on his face. His mom, Melina, describes Matthew as an inspiring little kid, a lover of monkeys, an avid video game player, and someone who puts everyone else before himself regardless of what he is going through.

Matthew and his family have participated in the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Los Angeles Ride for Kids motorcycle event the past couple of years. “It is one of Matthew’s favorite events and the only time he has felt free with no worries in the world, just the open road and the fresh air hitting him,” said Melina. “We have a deep appreciation for all the riders who participate and fundraise every year for our PBTF Stars.”

You can help kids like Matthew thrive by donating to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation at curethekids.org/givenow.