I can't believe it's been so long since my last posting. There is MUCH to report and I would like to give a more detailed update when time permits. But for now, here are the highlights:
1) Matthew continues to do extremely well with his cochlear implant. School and everyday social encounters still present lots of challenges (most of which he takes in stride), but comparatively speaking the c.i. is a vast improvement. He is hearing so much better than before the implant, it really is tantamount to having his life back again.
2) Matthew was recently thrilled to be awarded one of eight slots on an exchange program to Russia sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. On April 22, he will travel with seven of his schoolmates to Moscow for a one-week visit. The kids will be housed with English-speaking families, sightsee, and participate in joint programs. We are grateful that Matthew's health and hearing are well enough for him to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity,
3) On March 15, I was pleased to attend the re-introduction (the bill was unsuccessfully sponsored last year) of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act in the House, sponsored by four Congressmen, including our own Rep. Chris Van Hollen. This bill, introduced in the Senate as well, calls for $30 million annually over a five-year period to be dedicated to childhood cancer research. At the press conference, I was approached by a reporter who later called to interview Matthew. The story went out on Maryland Newsline (here's the link: http://www.newsline.umd.edu/health/pediatriccancer031507.htm) and was picked up by the Baltimore Examiner (http://www.examiner.com/a-624248~Teen_s_cancer_battle_illustrates_need_for_funds.html).
It's almost impossible to believe , but 1 in 330 Americans develops cancer before the age of 20, and brain tumors are now the most common cause of cancer-related death in children, having surpassed childhood leukemia.
Now that Matthew is in a more stable place, we are eager to apply our talents and energies to fighting pediatric brain tumors. We are also looking for ways that we can help other families faced with this devastating diagnosis. More on this to come.
1) Matthew continues to do extremely well with his cochlear implant. School and everyday social encounters still present lots of challenges (most of which he takes in stride), but comparatively speaking the c.i. is a vast improvement. He is hearing so much better than before the implant, it really is tantamount to having his life back again.
2) Matthew was recently thrilled to be awarded one of eight slots on an exchange program to Russia sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. On April 22, he will travel with seven of his schoolmates to Moscow for a one-week visit. The kids will be housed with English-speaking families, sightsee, and participate in joint programs. We are grateful that Matthew's health and hearing are well enough for him to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity,
3) On March 15, I was pleased to attend the re-introduction (the bill was unsuccessfully sponsored last year) of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act in the House, sponsored by four Congressmen, including our own Rep. Chris Van Hollen. This bill, introduced in the Senate as well, calls for $30 million annually over a five-year period to be dedicated to childhood cancer research. At the press conference, I was approached by a reporter who later called to interview Matthew. The story went out on Maryland Newsline (here's the link: http://www.newsline.umd.edu/health/pediatriccancer031507.htm) and was picked up by the Baltimore Examiner (http://www.examiner.com/a-624248~Teen_s_cancer_battle_illustrates_need_for_funds.html).
It's almost impossible to believe , but 1 in 330 Americans develops cancer before the age of 20, and brain tumors are now the most common cause of cancer-related death in children, having surpassed childhood leukemia.
Now that Matthew is in a more stable place, we are eager to apply our talents and energies to fighting pediatric brain tumors. We are also looking for ways that we can help other families faced with this devastating diagnosis. More on this to come.
