Matthew is a strong, courageous 9 year old boy that has a passion for Tiger Sharks and video games. He loves hamburgers and pizza, and it's a really good day if he gets to wash them both down with some apple juice. Also, his favorite sports are basketball & football. He lives with his mother Tijuanna, his brother Caleb, and his twin sister Micah in Orlando.

At the age of 5 Matthew was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but that hasn't stopped him. He has shown his family, friends and the community what it means to be a true hero. He constantly maintains a positive, fun-loving attitude that has helped his mother, siblings and close family members, prepare for the journey ahead. Matthew endured 3 year treatment that included monthly doctor visits, daily chemotherapy medications, bi-monthly spinal taps, steroid medication and other drugs. His mother says he "doesn't allow his illness to define him and oftentimes is more interested in talking about what he is doing in school and for fun than his illness". 

Matthew celebrated the end of his chemotherapy treatment on March 1, 2014. Matthew's amazing strength, tremendous courage and positivity was a key factor in helping his family, friends and community adjust to his diagnosis. We are so grateful and blessed to see Matthew thrive in school as an A/B Honor Roll student, on the basketball court and in the community. We are so excited to know that he has many healthy days ahead!