(Dec. 13) -- St. Nick and Christmas cards from around the world are fulfilling the final wishes of Matthew Michael Butman of Wylie, Texas.
"I have Leigh's Disease," writes Matthew, 11. Like other 'tweens, Matt uses a Facebook page to keep track of his buddies. But Matt also uses his Facebook page to explain the disease that's killing him, the disease that keeps him in bed, unable to walk or even to speak.
"To make it easy to understand, it's a very rare disease that affects the [cell's] ability to make energy. Once a cell is affected, it dies. There are also brain lesions. Unfortunately it is terminal and there is no treatment or cure. ... My parents make sure I'm comfortable and have no pain."
Matthew's parents have made sure he's more than comfortable, resting in a bedroom that's all boy, and that manages to exude cheeriness despite being in the hospital. Matthew's sisters (a brother, Trey, died before Matthew was born of a rare neurological disorder) and friends help increase the cheer factor.
Despite his dire condition, Matthew manages to project a positive spirit, evinced by his current goals: meet Santa and amass a monumental amount of cards from around the world.
"And they have come in like crazy," Matthew's mom Gianna told WFAA. "My husband brings a stack of them every day from our P.O. box," wherein a stack equals 35 to 80 cards, from around the world. After Matthew sees them, the cards are strung up around the room, creating a Christmas chain of global good tidings.
To cap off his wish quest, Matthew met a Texas-drawling Santa Claus last week. While most kids present Santa with a list of must-haves, Matthew turned the tables, presenting Santa with a sack-full of gifts for needy children.
Cards for Matthew can be addressed to Matthew Mickelson Butman, PO Box 1865, Wylie, TX, 75089.
"I have Leigh's Disease," writes Matthew, 11. Like other 'tweens, Matt uses a Facebook page to keep track of his buddies. But Matt also uses his Facebook page to explain the disease that's killing him, the disease that keeps him in bed, unable to walk or even to speak.
"To make it easy to understand, it's a very rare disease that affects the [cell's] ability to make energy. Once a cell is affected, it dies. There are also brain lesions. Unfortunately it is terminal and there is no treatment or cure. ... My parents make sure I'm comfortable and have no pain."
Matthew's parents have made sure he's more than comfortable, resting in a bedroom that's all boy, and that manages to exude cheeriness despite being in the hospital. Matthew's sisters (a brother, Trey, died before Matthew was born of a rare neurological disorder) and friends help increase the cheer factor.
Despite his dire condition, Matthew manages to project a positive spirit, evinced by his current goals: meet Santa and amass a monumental amount of cards from around the world.
"And they have come in like crazy," Matthew's mom Gianna told WFAA. "My husband brings a stack of them every day from our P.O. box," wherein a stack equals 35 to 80 cards, from around the world. After Matthew sees them, the cards are strung up around the room, creating a Christmas chain of global good tidings.
To cap off his wish quest, Matthew met a Texas-drawling Santa Claus last week. While most kids present Santa with a list of must-haves, Matthew turned the tables, presenting Santa with a sack-full of gifts for needy children.
Cards for Matthew can be addressed to Matthew Mickelson Butman, PO Box 1865, Wylie, TX, 75089.
1 comment:
We sent him a Christmas card. I just love his sweet face.
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