May 31, 2008 (An Eventful Day)

Matthew spent his morning at the Stonewall Jackson High School Caring for Costis Run/Walk. He was happy to begin the race and make people winners by doing the drawing for prices. Uncle Mark and Thomas did a great Job of pushing Matthew around the track for the 1 Mile, Grandpa and Pau poo, did a great job running the mile, especially for Senior Citizens (Lol)! Kaitlyn and Dalanie ran there little hearts out for Matthew and he was very proud of them. Cousin Carmen and Victoria did a great job lugging the dog during the 5K. Pastor Paul and Quest Members are expected at Church regardless of muscles aches or pain (LOl)! Thanks for coming out and supporting Matthew. We would like to thank everyone who participated in this event from the bottom of our heart. It is a wonderful blessing to be surrounding by so many of God's Angels in this very difficult time. We could never express with words the gratitude that we feel in our hearts.

We would like to Thank the Members of the Caring for Costis committee, for a Job Well Done!

Matthew returned home from the 5K and magically missed the rain. He attempted to rest and prepare for the Relay for Life event at Fauquier High School. We were very proud of Matthew, Tom and Grandpa for completing yet another lap around the track in honor of Survivors, and Loved one's whom have been lost to this terrible disease. Matthew was very happy to be apart of this event.

Thank you Pam Smith for the Invitation!

Though a bit exhausted, Matthew truly enjoyed his day of being the Honorary

"Celebrity Rock Star" of both events. (Lol)!!!

May 30

Matthew spent the day at Children's Hospital and was given his X-Men IV boost. He regained his spidey powers and is looking forward to the Caring for Costis 5k/ Mile fun run/walk tomorrow. Matthew is also looking forward to be the Honorary Survivor at the Relay For Life event being held at Fauquier High School tomorrow at 5:00pm. Matthew will be doing the first lap around the track at 6:30 pm. We thank Pam Smith for inviting Matthew to attend. We look forward to seeing everyone at both events.

Special Thanks

We would like to express our gratitude to the Entire

Taylor Family

for the Donation of the http://www.matthewcostis.org sign to be displayed at all upcoming events. The sign design is as follows. The logo was designed by Matthew and the family.

May 29, 2008

Matthew has been feeling ill the entire day. Matthew is unable to retain any food or liquids, so he will need to visit his doctor at Children's Hospital tomorrow. We are hoping that he will receive a IV boost and regain strength. Matthew is really looking forward to attending the Caring for Costis 5K/1 Mile Fun Run/Walk on Saturday and is really hoping to feel better by tomorrow. He is very excited about starting the race with the start gun. We pray that Matthew will be able to attend the event and Enjoy the Hard work and dedication of Pat Ives, Ellen Hill and the entire Caring for Costis committee at Stonewall Jackson High School.

The family is very grateful for all of your hard work and dedication to Matthew. We are blessed to have people such as yourselves to help us in this fight. We are surrounded by God's people and Angels everyday. Please know how truly appreciated and loved you are.

May 28, 2008

Matthew spent the day feeling very ill. He is currently unable to retain any food. His vomiting is increasing and he is becoming a bit weak. Matthew continues to try to eat and keep food down, but to no avail. Matthew spent the afternoon with Mom Mom and Pau Poo, but unfortunately was ill most of his visit. Matthew was happy to be able to spend time with them.

We would like to give a special Thanks to Darlene Clark and St. John the Evangelist Catholic School for organizing a Dress down day held today to raise funds for Matthew and his family. Your love and support is greatly appreciated.

May 27, 2008

Matthew spent the day lounging around. Unfortunately, he was feeling ill and was having trouble with vomiting. Matthew didn't have much of an appetite today. While getting ready to take a trip to Denny's to have dinner with grandma and grandpa, Matthew became ill and decided to stay home and get some sleep. Grandpa assured him that he would take him to Denny's whenever he felt up to it. Matthew held grandpa to his word when he awoke at 12:04 am and decided it was time to take a trip to Denny's, grandpa was happy to oblige. Matthew ate mini hot dogs and french fries and managed to keep it down. Yeah Matthew!

May 26, 2008

Matthew spent the day playing battleship (sinking Aunt Vanessa). He and grandma prepared homemade bagel bites. He enjoyed making them and eating them as well. Matthew was able to keep that and a piece of a Subway Sandwich, though he didn't eat much today, he was able to keep everything but his morning cereal down. (Good Job Buddy)!! Matthew was happy to received a letter from his friend Janet who is serving in Iraq. Matthew looks forward to hearing from Janet again. Matthew spend the day trying to figure out how he could convince mom and dad to purchase a Wii system, he has become very interested in guitar hero and would really like a Wii system. As usual Matthew makes an unbeatable point in his argument for a Wii. It can be used as physical therapy, I really need to get more exercise and playing Wii can help with that, SMART BOY!!! Just like Matthew to be brilliant. Matthew is looking forward to the upcoming 5K/1 mile fun run/walk this Saturday May 31, 2008. He is hoping to see lots of people out there. He is really looking forward to the Snow cone and Cotton Candy Machines, Yum Yum!! Please keep Matthew in your prayers and remember to drop in and sign his guestbook.

May 25, 2008

Matthew spent the morning at church and was singing his little heart out. He continues having trouble with the vomiting. He is attempting to eat as much as possible; however, he just feels ill and nauseated. Matthew and the family spent the afternoon at Shenandoah National Park, one of Matthew's favorite places to go prior to his illness, unfortunately Matthew wasn't able to enjoy it this time as he was limited to enjoying the mountain air. Matthew's fighting spirit continues and he is determined to eat and enjoy everything he can, even if it's not the same as before. Today Matthew asked if he should have ice cream, in fear that he might vomit, I told Matthew to eat all he wanted and when he was ready to puke, that's what I was here for. He laughed and said "to bad I don't have my tape recorder to get this on tape". I promised to agree to puke clean up ,on tape and anywhere else I needed to as long as he ate. He ate his ice cream and enjoyed the entire cone, GO MATTHEW!!! As expected a few hours later it came up, but he sure enjoyed it going down.

There has been a problem with Matthew's guestbook overnight and all his messages were lost, let's lift his spirits by sending him uplifting messages. All your messages truly make a difference. I encourage everyone to help reach 100 guestbook messages by tomorrow, lets pass Matthew's story on to everyone you know and overwhelm him with love and support!

May 24, 2008

Matthew spent the morning shopping with uncle Victor, he is beginning to have more trouble with vomiting since his Chemo treatment. Matthew is feeling a bit sad and anxious, all side effects of the chemotherapy. He did enjoy his sister's birthday party at Chuck-e-Cheese. He became a bit tired and was happy to return home. Matthew has lost much of his appetite as they have lowered his steroid dose. We are praying that he will continue eating and not begin to lose weight. Please keep Matthew in your prayers as he is beginning the hardest part of his treatment plan. We would like to encourage everyone to send him words of encouragement and remind him of what a strong boy he is through his guestbook, lets get those messages going! Your encouraging words truly make a difference.

A CALL FOR EZ-UP TENTS

****Notice****

We are asking to borrow EZ up tents to be used the day of the 5K. The 5k will be held at Stonewall Jackson High School and we would like to have tents in case of rain and for shade purposes. If anyone is willing to allow us to borrow your tent, It can be brought to 183 Preston Drive or call or email me so I can pick them up, which ever is most convenient. I will transport the tents to Stonewall and bring them back to be returned to it's owner. Any assistance that we received would be greatly appreciated.

May 23, 2008

Matthew spent the day a little tired after Chemotherapy. He was very exited to to learn that Uncle Victor was coming to spend the weekend with him. He is also excited about his sister Kaitlyn Birthday party tomorrow. He is happy that she will be the center of attention. He took a trip to Wal-Mart with grandma to buy his sister a birthday present with his own money. He is vomiting a little more frequently but is still eating very well.

May 22, 2008 A Day at Children's Hospital

Matthew spent the entire day at Children's Hospital. Matthew received his first dose of Chemotherapy, the procedure was a very long process and Matthew was very tired. He said that it wasn't painful, but it took very long. He did not return home until 11:30pm. Unfortunately he looks forward to many more days like these every week. Matthew was happy that Grandpa and Grandma were able to spend the day at the hospital with him.

March 21

Matthew has had, an increased amount of vomiting the last few days. We are hoping that it is still the flu bug rather than any other complication. Matthew is scheduled to receive Chemotherapy at Children's Hospital tomorrow. He will then have to undergo further testing to insure that his newly found heart condition won't interfere with his scheduled treatment plan. Matthew's heart condition could potentially have serious risk for Matthew and currently poses great concern according to his doctors . In addition to visiting his Oncologist at least twice a week at Children's for Chemo and Follow-ups, he will need to make additional trips to Children's to visit his Cardiologist. We trust that god has a plan for Matthew and that everything continues to have it's reason for happening. Please continue to keep Matthew in prayer, as he continues to be positive and keep faith in GOD!

Matthew's Quote:"They had me locked up like a Lion in a Circus"! As he complained to grandma about being told to return to sleep after waking up at 5:30 am. (LOL)

We are convinced he received Spidey Powers with radiation. haha!!

Matthew's Hat Collection Additions

May 20, 2008

Today Matthew spent the day shopping around trying to find boxing gloves and a pencil sharpener. Matthew became ill before being able to buy anything and had to come home. He spent most of the remaining day napping. After waking from his nap Matthew spent the remainder of the evening playing life with the family and was very happy to "boast" about being in the lead only to fall in second when mommy took the win. Matthew ended up with 1 million eight hundred thousand and 50 dollars in the game of life. Oh if only that money was real (LOL)!!

The MRI results came in and Matthew's tumors show no sign of growth (WONDERFUL NEWS)! Further testing will be done on Thursday to gain comparative stats to be used later to ensure no new developments have occurred.

May 19, 2008

Matthew spent the day at Children's Hospital. Matthew had a 2 hour MRI in order to get several scans to check for any new developments. We will have to wait on results for a few days. Matthew was excited that grandpa was able to attend his visit to Children's after arriving from Texas on Friday. Matthew told grandpa that he better get to Virginia soon or the Carousel would run out of Ice cream before he arrived. This is grandpas favorite Ice Cream, so he rushed right over.

May 18, 2008 Baptism

Today Matthew, mommy, Kaitlyn (sister), grandma and Aunt Vanessa were baptized at the Quest Church . It was a very emotional and wonderful experience to be able to share this day with Matthew. Matthew was happy to see that Donnie his photo journalist was there to take pictures, Matthew was inspired by Donnie to buy a camera and take pictures of children, in order to make them happy.

May 17, 2008

Today we spent the day at the Old Town Warrenton Spring Festival. We are happy to report that it was a success. People were generous in donating funds to help Matthew. We would have like to have sold more shirts but we are very grateful for the support that we have received.

Thank you to everyone who gave of their time to help in the preparation, the donations of needed items, work time at the booth and the clean up. We would like to express our gratitude to The McGlotten Family and to Bill Little for helping in the organization of this event and for giving up their Saturday to help in this effort.

May 16, 2008

Today we spent much of the day preparing for the festival tomorrow. Matthew is excited that his shirts will be placed on display for everyone to see. He hopes to see everyone wearing a matthewcostis.org T-shirt. We are thankful to everyone who has helped in this preparation. Matthew is feeling a little better and is excited about going opening night of Prince Caspian Chronicles of Narnia.

May 15, 2008

Matthew continued feeling ill today. He was unable to begin Chemotherapy as planned. His appointment has been rescheduled for tomorrow. Matthew spent the day lounging around and attempting to recuperate. We are praying that Matthew will begin to feel better soon. We believe that much of his vomiting is stemmed from a virus seeing as his sister and others in the house are feeling ill as well. Each person finding a slow road to recovery from this virus. Matthew spirits remain high and he looks forward to the upcoming Spring Festival Event where we will sell his personally designed T-shirts and wristbands, along with food concessions. We pray for a great result to such a wonderful effort by Friends and Neighbors. We are truly blessed by such godly support.

Matthew's Quote:" He is just drawn to me when I walk in the room", as he talks about his baby cousin Henry Allen, and I explained to Matthew that everyone who has ever met him felt the same. He smiled!!

May 14, 2008

Matthew continues feeling ill today along with everyone else in the house. He was happy to receive a care package including 3 new Hats, and a hat from the Baltimore Ravens. Matthew is not looking forward to his weekly visit to Children's Hospital tomorrow. He is set to begin his first Chemotherapy treatment at Children's tomorrow unless his newly found heart condition impedes this process. Further testing is needed to determine weather the Newly found heart condition will effect Matthew's Chemotherapy Treatment Plan.

Matthew's Quote: Today's Wen. I need to collect more money for my tape recorder" as Matthew prepares to charge anyone who uses foul language on $5.00 Wen. He occasionally attempts to get away with inflation as he raises his prices.

May 13, 2008

Matthew woke up feeling better and he and dad made their way over to the store to purchase a long desired Camera for Matthew. He went outside to the patio and began to take pictures. Unfortunately, Matthew began feeling ill and vomiting all over again. He remained ill into the evening.

Matthew's Quote: "I'm going to by a camera and tape recorder so I can spice things up around here".

Upcoming Event Reminders!

If anyone planned on donating Drinks to support the Festival booth, please contact Vanessa for pickup or Deliver them to 183 Preston Drive by Thursday May 15, 2008. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Volunteers will be meeting at 5:00pm tomorrow May 13, at 183 Preston Drive, anyone interested in helping on Saturday are invited to attend.

We would like to invite everyone to attend Matthew's Baptism to be held on Sunday May 18, 2008 at Quest church located at the Regal Theatre in Manassas at 10:15am.

May 12, 2008

Matthew enjoyed a morning of eating and watching TV. Matthew later was visited by Matthew T. and enjoyed sword fights and playing around. Unfortunately, Matthew's day took a somber turn as he began vomiting and felling very ill. Matthew continues to have stomach pain and vomiting. We hope that Matthew will get through the night OK and get to feeling better by tomorrow.

Matthew's Quote:"I want to buy a camera to take pictures of kids who are sick like me, so that they can feel good like I do when they take my picture. I felt good when Dave took my pictures and I want the kids to feel special like me."

Ripley's Aquarium

Lounging at the Pool

Lounging at the Pool

Matthew's Hospital Stay Photos