Matthew has severe Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy, which affects his muscle control making him unable to move fine motor muscles, speak and swallow landing him in hospital many times with chest infections. He also has a seizure disorder.

We had met another Make-A-Wish family that just had their wish granted…they said that their experience was amazing and urged us to apply. I was surprised and extremely excited when we were told that Matthew could have his wish granted. But now what to wish for...

With being unable to speak we had to wish for him, but we sure knew what he would want for his wish! He loves movement, lights & Elmo! When he was smaller we were able to swing him in our arms, but now that he is getting bigger his Dad and I can’t do that anymore. Matthew wished for his “Ultimate Christmas List”…a wheelchair platform swing for our new house and some special needs toys that he wouldn’t have to wait for to be adapted! He can just plug his special switch in and go.

We were very excited when we found out that we could have a wish party with Matthew’s grandparents so they could celebrate his wish with him! We would tell Matthew every day about his wish party and his eyes would light up!

In the mean time…his new swing was delivered…we can’t wait to get it set up in spring in the new house. Before, we would take him to the park and his Dad and I would be disappointed that we just couldn’t take him on the swing sets…now we will just be able to roll his wheelchair right out the back door!

When it came time for his wish party, we had no idea what to expect. Make-A-Wish really went above and beyond! Matthew’s eyes lit up when he saw a large life size Elmo balloon…even bigger than him! He got all the toys on his wish list and they were all wrapped up. Carolyn, Christa & Cody didn’t miss a detail and even got a battery charger! We were all surprised when there were a few extra things including the new Elmo Live doll. Matthew was thrilled and his reaction was priceless! It was a day that we will never forget!

Since his party he has been working hard using his switch and is very proud of himself that he can make the toys go. It will be exciting to see how his development will progress with learning how to work all the new toys!

Thank you so very much to Make-A-Wish for making Matthew’s wish come true!

More Entertainment and Fantasy Wishes

1. Kelly :

Matthew - you look so happy with your Elmo doll! Looks like it was a very special day:)

2. Phil L:

Just want to add yet another big "thank-you" to everyone at Make-A-Wish - especially to Carolyn, Christa & Cody - for the fantastic time, and for making my little boy's dream come true!!!

3. Debi Ritchie:

I am so happy for you Matthew, you look like such a precious little boy, Congrats Phil!

4. Eilyn L:

We moved in to our new house at the end of April 2009 and Matthew is now enjoying his new swing in his new backyard. He's nothing but smiles when he goes out to play!

5. Eilyn L:

Matthew has been spending a lot of time in the hospital lately...he has been quite entertained with his portable DVD player that he got with his wish. Of course he loves watching ELMO! Thank you for making hospital stays a little less scary!