Matthew's Miles Background Info

On January 11, 2001, at the age of seven, our son Matthew was diagnosed with a diffuse pontine brainstem glioma—a very aggressive tumor.

On February 5, 2001 Matthew underwent a seven-hour surgery during which the neurosurgeon was able to safely remove over half of Matthew's tumor. A few days after surgery we were told the final pathology report revealed Matthew had the lowest grade tumor possible—a pilocytic astrocytoma. With tears in his eyes, the doctor told us Matthew could plan on celebrating many birthdays to come.

On June 21, 2005 due to recurrent tumor growth, Matthew underwent a second partial resection of his brain stem tumor. This time, it seems likely that Matthew will undergo six weeks of radiation therapy.

On December 20, 2005 Matthew had his third brain surgery of 2005 (fourth overall) to reposition the reservoir in his head.

On February 16, 2006 Matthew underwent the setup procedure for his six weeks of daily radiation therapy, which began FEB 20th.

On February 20, 2006 Matthew began his six weeks of daily radiation therapy.

On April 3, 2006 Matthew completed his six weeks of daily radiation.

Matthew's Miles began as a way of giving thanks for the miracle we have been given. When Matthew was diagnosed at age seven, the prognosis gave him six to nine months, which meant he would not see his 8th birthday. The Matthew's Miles walk is in celebration of our son's life and each joyous birthday.

Over the past three years we have met many other families with a child who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. The Matthew's Miles walk is also a celebration of life for all children fighting this disease. And we dedicate the walk to the memory of those who were taken from this earth too soon.

To read more about Matthew's story, with pictures from diagnosis through rehabilitation, begin here:

Diagnosis & Surgery:
www.passarella.com/matthew.htm
Rehab & Recovery:
www.passarella.com/matt2.htm
Latest Updates:
www3.caringbridge.org/nj/matthew/
Matthew & Matthew's Miles Announcement Mailing List:
health.groups.yahoo.com/group/matthewsmiles/join

First Annual Matthew's Miles Wrap-up

The First Annual Matthew's Miles Walkathon was a great success! With the hurricane past, we had a beautiful day for our 150 walkers and wonderful volunteers. Thanks to those who walked, those who donated, those who sponsored and those who supported our family in this important endeavor. With your help, during this inaugural walkathon and auction, we raised over $20,000 for brain tumor research funded by the American Brain Tumor Association.

All proceeds from the 4th Annual Matthew's Miles
will benefit pediatric brain tumor research programs
funded by the Children's Cancer Foundation,
a 501(c)(3) charity.
Donations are tax deductible
to the extent allowed by law.

PLEASE LINK TO MATTHEW'S MILES WITH THIS BANNER!