June 27 (MRI RESULTS)

After a few days of long awaited results, Matthew's MRI came back with positive news. Upon Arrival to Children's on Wen., we received serious concern about Matthew's leg and arm bruising. Dr.Packard requested an immediate MRI and refused to continue Chemo treatment until the results were in. After the agonizing wait over night, we received news today that Matthew's MRI results were better than expected. It not only ruled out any new activity in the brain but also appeared that the tumors had reduced in size. (WONDERFUL NEWS)! We Praise god for such a miracle, though Matthew still has a long fight ahead, we know that with Jesus in front and us behind him we will not loose. Matthew was very excited to received a song especially written for him and about him by the Songs of Love Foundation. He truly has become a super star and better than that, A true testament of god's sweet grace!

June 24,2008

He did it!!! He made 60 Pounds today!!! WAY TO GO MATTHEW!!!!

Matthew was very excited when he weighed in at 60 pounds. Today he spent the day at Rady Park with the family, he enjoyed a ride on the wagon and a picnic at the park. He then requested to go to the carousel, where he ate not one, but two Ice Cream cones and loved every minute of them. Matthew was happy to see his friend Sadona at the carousel. Matthew returned home to enjoy some time on the patio, while working on his photo album. Matthew is scheduled to see his cardiologist at Children's Hospital tomorrow as his heart has been experiencing a little faster heart beat. Matthew isn't excited about the appointment, but is surely eager to get it over with. Matthew will also have to return to Children's on Thursday for his weekly visit. Lots of undesired travel to the hospital, but Matthew Just Deals With It.

Matthew's Quote:" I need to get more music that I can honor the lord with, I need to start to honor the lord when I sing a little bit more, I don't have music on my I-POD that honors the lord, but I need to get some", as he sang his heart out to Chris Tomlin, "We stand and lift up our hands For the joy of the Lord is our strength, Holy is the Lord God almighty The earth is filled with his glory!!! "That's true Aunt Vanessa Jesus is my strength right"?

******SAVE THE DATE JULY 12******

Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department

Fundraiser Dinner for Matthew Costis

Saturday July 12Th, 2008

3-7 P.M.

Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Dept.

11310 Coles Drive

Manassas, VA 20112

Serving: Pig Roast, BBQ Chicken, Hot Dogs, Macaroni Salad, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans

Moon bounce, Cotton Candy, Activity Tables, etc.

Fun For All The Family

June 23 *****WOW 58 POUNDS*****

We have been very busy and Aunt Vanessa has been slacking on the blog updates, but Matthew wanted me to make sure to relay this message to everyone. He weighed in at 58 pounds and is determined to make 60 pounds by the end of the day! This is very good news for everyone as we have been working very hard to increase Matthew's weight. Matthew is still having trouble with his platelet levels being low and bruising in his legs and now slightly in his arms; however, he continues to fight hard and eat VERY WELL!!! We are convinced that if he continues eating at this rate he will be rolling around without his wheel chair(LOl). Matthew has been busy hanging out with his family and was able to go fishing yesterday. He was happy to be able to fish from his wheel chair. He was very excited to catch two fish!!!

June 19, 2008

Matthew spent the entire day at Children's Hospital today. Matthew was unable to get his Chemotherapy treatment due to his platelets levels being to low. He is still not low enough to receive a transfusion, but is to low to receive treatment. Doctors are hoping that Matthew's body will replenish in order for him to receive treatment next week. Matthew's nose bleeds have slowed down but the bruising on his legs continue. His spirits are high and he continues to fight. Matthew spent his late afternoon with Mom Mom and Pau pu at Tony's Pizza Yum Yum!! Matthew spent the rest of the evening hanging out with the family from Texas and his WII!

June 16, 2008

Matthew spent the entire day at Children's Hospital today. Doctor's were concerned that he may require a blood transfusion in order to replenish the drop in platelets, fortunately Matthew wasn't in need of a transfusion! His body is doing a good job of replenishing on it's own at this time and though they had dropped severely causing the nose bleeds and the bruising on his legs, his body is attempting fix it's self. Just another indication of Matthew's strength. Before going to the hospital Matthew declared that he would be fine because the lord was doing great things for him.

Matthew's Quote:"I feel great, Thank the Lord" with his hands thrown in the air, "because Jesus is doing great things for me"!

June 15, 2008

Matthew spent his Father's day morning at church and spent the afternoon grilling and on the patio in order to celebrate Father's day and uncles Bert's birthday. Unfortunately Matthew has been suffering from nose bleeds, but has been doing great with keeping food down. A new drug has enabled him to reduce the amount of times he's vomiting in a day. Matthew is truly enjoying having all his family here from Texas and is especially glad to be able to have uncle Bert here to celebrate his birthday.

June 14, 2008

Matthew spent the morning at the Rady Park enjoying the beautiful sunlight. As he was being wheeled around the trial, a gust of wind came rushing in, colling things down and forcing everyone to head for the vehicles. We returned home so Matthew could rest and prepare for a birthday party he was to attend later that evening. Matthew was only able to attend the party for a short time. Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in the moon bounce activities. He later accompanied mommy, daddy, uncle Bert, sister Kaitlyn, and cousin Jonathan to the movies to watch The Incredible Hulk. Matthew enjoyed the movie and liked that there was a new Hulk in town who was evil and the real Hulk punched him. Matthew was happy to see Mom Mom and Pau pu at Jimmy's Party yesterday.

Matthew is very excited that an article will be printed in tomorrows Potomac News/Journal Messenger paper.

June 13, 2008

Matthew spent the morning hanging out with cousin Christopher watching cartoons. He then went to run errands with mommy, daddy, uncle Bert, Kaitlyn and Jonathan. He spent the afternoon visiting with Mom Mom and Pau pu and prepared to go to the Outdoor Movie at Harris Pavilion in Manassas sponsored by the Quest Church block party committee. He spent a wonderful evening enjoying the Ratatouille Movie on the big blowup screen, free popcorn, the evening breeze and the company of family and friends. Matthew had to cut the evening short due to becoming ill and vomiting but really enjoyed the time he was able to spend out doors. Matthew returned home and spent the evening hanging with the boys.

June 12, 2008

Matthew spent the day hanging out with the family. He enjoyed an afternoon on the patio grilling burgers and tossing the football to Cousin Christopher. We were very happy to see him making the effort to throw that ball, though it didn't go far he was happy that he was able to throw it. YEAH MATTHEW!!! He watched an entertaining sword challenge between Dalanie, Kaitlyn and Christopher against Jonathan(Tag team and little ones won) Lol!! He spent the evening watching a Movie and enjoyed cheese balls. Though Matthew continues to vomit, he has been successful in keeping some of what he eats down, GREAT EFFORT buddy!!! We are happy to see Matthew's spirits are up and he is attempting to become more physically active, thanks to the encouragement of uncle Bert, Jonathan and Christoper. Nothing like a little bit of peer pressure to give a boost (Welcome to the boys room)!!!

June 11, 2008

Matthew spent the day with the family and was happy to visit the carousel to celebrate his sister Kaitlyn's final day of school. He then accompanied mom and dad to Kaitlyn's dance class. Upon returning home he was happy to receive news that the Fauquier H.S Bake Sale was a great success. Cathy brought Matthew a woad of money. Thanks again to all who made this event a success. Matthew was surprised to see "B" a good friend of the family was waiting to visit with him. He enjoyed an evening of laughing and hanging out. Matthew is getting a little cough and is still having a little trouble with the vomiting but is doing a great job of trying to keep things down. Smoothies are a boys best friend!

June 10, 2008

Matthew spent the day hanging out with family and playing with his cousins. He went out to the grocery store with the family. He was tired upon returning home. Matthew experienced a couple of nose bleeds today and is still having trouble with his vomiting, but is working very hard to keep food down. He spent the evening recovering from his busy day by sleeping. He awoke to watch late night movies with uncle Bert, Jonathan and the boys.
"SLUMBER PARTY"YEAH!!!(Lol)

June 9, 2008

Matthew spent the day visiting the staff and students at Fauquier High School who organized and made the Bake Sale benefiting Matthew a tremendous success. He again received the star treatment and received stuffed animal gifts, hugs and much support. He was amazed by Ms.Rose and her wonderful voice. He made many new friends. Matthew then went to visit Ms.Adele at the Country Cookin and received the "grandparent" treatment from Adele. He spent this day feeling loved and supported by many people and had a smile from ear to ear. After his exhausting day he returned home to spend the afternoon with Uncle Bert and Cousin Jonathan playing Wii and finally took a LONG nap. He still had trouble with his vomiting but continues to fight back by eating all he can. YEAH MATTHEW!!!

We would like to extend our gratitude Cathy, Rose and everyone at Fauquier High who made this Bake Sale a wonderful Success!

June 8, 2008

Matthew spent his morning in church enjoying the music. He spent his afternoon at the Kena Shriner's Temple in Fairfax at his Spaghetti Benefit Dinner organized by the Masonic Family. He was happy to visit with Mom Mom and Pa Pou and meet all of their wonderful friends. We was happy to see people purchasing his Matthewcostis.org T-shirts as it was his design. Due to his "Star Status" Matthew spent much of his taking photographs with all of his new friends. Matthew was very tired and was happy to return home to gain rest. Matthew continued to have trouble with the vomiting but will not allow feeling ill keep him from attempting to eat. Matthew was very happy that his Family from Texas was able to attend his benefit dinner event.

The Costis Family would like to extend their gratitude to all the many people who made this event a success.

June 7, 2008

Matthew spent his morning with volunteers from the Make-A-Wish foundation. Matthew now holds the task of deciding what very special wish he would like granted. He spent the remainder of the day playing PS3 and Wii with his cousins from Texas. He enjoyed a day of laughter and fun with everyone. Matthew continues to struggle with vomiting but is giving his stomach a real battle. He keeps in taking food even if it comes right back up, that's our little fighter. Matthew is excited about his benefit spaghetti dinner being held tomorrow at the Kena Shrine Temple in Fairfax. For more information on this benefit download the flyer from the Events tab on www.matthewcostis.org . Matthew hopes to see everyone there!

Photo Album Part 1 Much More To Come