(1985-1996)

Society defines a hero in many different ways. Some have saved lives, some have bravely protected others, some have even given their own lives for others. Our Matthew was our hero because he lived his life to the fullest, when he could have given up. Matthew was diagnosed with rhabdomysarcoma on April 2, 1992. I can still remember the doctor saying that it was unfortunate that Matthew had the Alveolar type because the Embryonal type was easier to treat. After a few months of chemotherapy he had surgery at the Mayo Clinic to remove the tumor. Unfortunately the muscle grafting to fill in his face did not work and he was left with a large depression in his right side. I mention this because he was teased by some bullies who called him “flat face.” He could have easily been depressed by this taunting, but instead chose a higher road and ignored it. 

He lived out his life in dignity and changed me forever. I no longer look at life as anything more than a gift to be cherished. After 2 reoccurrences and a bone marrow transplant, Matthew passed in 1996 at the age of 11. We forever miss him, as we do his brother Cullen.

Written by Jim Bryant, Matthew’s Dad
08/09