Matt F. - Quilt Finished in 2006
Born: October 4, 1990
Illness: Arnold Chiari Malformation of the brain with Pseudomeningocele
A Thank you from Matt's Family!
Written June 15, 2006
I wanted everyone to know that Matt knew nothing about this quilt. When he woke up, I gave him the box, he wanted to know who it was from, and I told him, a group of loving and compassionate people who have been praying for him and have a surprise for him. HE WAS COMPLETELY AMAZED!!! He couldn't believe that people who don't know him would care enough to take the time to create what he himself called a MASTERPIECE!! He slowly looked at each individual block, and constantly commented on the quality, the designs, and especially where each stitcher came from. I can't tell you how proud he is of this quilt!!!! He said, "Mama, we need to hang this on the wall and not let anything happen to it" but I told him that it was made to use, to wrap up in, to know that each of those tiny stitches were obviously made with a great deal of love and talent, just for him, I can say he has never received such a beautiful and meaningful gift ever!
Now from me, the Mom. This was more than I could have imagined. I too was overwhelmed and shed tears as I snapped pictures for you all to see. It was such a joy to spend the next 2 hours just looking at each block and praying for each individual, thanking God for the joy they have shared. I just want everyone to know that every single stitch they did brought the greatest smile to his face and he lays up on the couch every day in it! How do I say thank you, to so many beautiful and talented people and how do I express how my son felt and will always feel with this quilt around him. He keeps it on top of his bed, layed out and displayed for the world to see when he is not resting!!! So from this mothers heart, to each of your hearts, thank you.... thank you so very much.... this is unbelievable.... and it will be a part of my sons life forever. God Bless you for your time, your prayers, and the beautiful work you each did for my baby.... thank you all. Please share the pictures with everyone and know how grateful we truly are! With Love, Karen and Matt
Matt F.'s Story
written by mom Karen
Matthew is a wonderful young man. A freshman in high school. Diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformaion class I, on 12 October 2005. This diagnosis answered years of unanswered questions about Matt's health, and recurring severe headaches. Decompression surgery was done a few days later, for many reasons the surgery was redone at Comer Children's Hospital in Illinois. We are far from home and family, we pray every minute of every day. Matt suffers tremendous pain constantly, severe headaches, all over body pain, joint pain, sensativity to light, sound, and touch.
We look forward to him recovering from his 2 surgeries, returning home to Georgia, and once again enjoying his family and friends. He loved playing football as a lineman, enjoyed the "team" aspect, but will not be able to play in the future. He loves to act on stage, and has an incredible sense of humor and compassion for all. He is at his best at the sea.... swimming and fishing..he loves to snorkel and I hope to take him scuba diving for his 16th birthday...Once he regains his strength he will return to school, and hopefully continue with his classmates to graduation! We thank God for all he has done to help my son, and praise him for his mercy and healing.
Tomorrow is a new day...
Written by Matt's mom Karen in November 2005
