Miracle Stories
Matthew, Age 7
Matthew was born at 9:11 pm on March 23, 2001 to proud parents Jennifer and Eric with a heart defect so rare that less than 1% of children born with heart complications will suffer from it. At 7 hours old, he was taken from the hospital where Jennifer gave birth, rushed to VCU Children’s Medical Center in Richmond, VA, and quickly admitted into surgery undergoing 9 hours of open heart surgery.
As time progressed and doctors appointments were met, they began to wonder if Matthew’s birth was the really the end of their extreme healthcare needs. Over the next few years Matthew endured many issues with sensory disorders and has since been diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism and more recently a mild case of Cerebral Palsy. Matthew received early interventional therapies including speech,occupational and physical therapy from Children’s Hospital of Richmond.
Today, at the age of 7, Matthew is a very determined young man who welcomes his treatments and understands that working hard will make him stronger. Even on the days when Matthew isn’t feeling up for it, he tells his mom, “This will help me”. According to Jennifer, Matthew’s mom, Matthew is “not one to give up”.
Children’s Miracle Network Richmond is proud to support VCU Children’s Medical Center and Children’s Hospital. Matthew has received treatment from both amazing facilities from heart surgery to physical therapy. Our funds support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Feeding Program, Therapy Centers, Transitional Care Unit, help provide the best quality in equipment, medication and specialists to help save the lives of champions like Matthew everyday in central Virginia.
