Update

Matthew has recovered well from his bout of pneumonia. He is home and ready to begin home schooling, speech therapy, and physical therapy, once all schedules can be worked out. He took two diagnostic tests today, one for physical therapy and one for occupational therapy. He really impressed the occupational therapy tester, who said he scored higher on the written test than anyone in his age group had ever tested! He continues to overachieve. In the meantime, he is brushing up on his reading, writing, and math skills, and he is fired up to start school again.

Matthew met recently with his doctors, who assessed his progress. They have decided to shift his treatment regimen from the chemotherapy infusions, which have been effective at stabilizing his condition, halting the spread of the existing tumors, and preventing any new growth, to a new Phase 1 drug that they hope will more effectively fight and possibly shrink the tumors.

In August, Matthew was invited to watch a Redskins preseason game in Aerojet's private box. He met all the Redskins, the Redskinettes (he was smiling ear to ear!), Coach Jim Zorn, and Team Owner Dan Snyder. Santana Moss gave Matthew his game gloves (Matthew said "they were sweaty"), and the entire team signed a game ball for him. He had a great time and would like to thank all of the Redskins, the Redskinettes, Mr. Zorn, and Mr. Snyder, and especially Nadine Simpson, who arranged this wonderful outing. Thank you all for making this little boy so happy.