Since the beginning of the year, we have had one success after another!

The year started off with Matthew taking his first solo steps with his arm cane in our living room, almost out of no-where. His therapist and I were chatting about 6 feet apart, and without warning, Matt just walked right on over to me as if he knew he was finally ready and able to do this!

I yelled with glee: Matt, what did you just do? He said: I walked! And walk he did, back and forth, back and forth across the living room. We had a bottle of sparkling grape juice left from New Year's Eve and we all toasted to a miracle!

For many frustrating months (ok, years!) we have not been able to toilet-train Matt. Most medical/neurological opinions were such that he was not developmentally ready. While we were making good progress with timed-training, we were having no success the other way. After a meeting with the school psychologist, a new, no-horns-&-whistles approach was implemented. Thanks to Jennifer, a dear friend who understands Matt's love of Disney books, we inherited a complete set of classic stories. Upon each successful event in the toilet, a new Disney book was presented with an unassuming "I'm proud of you, Matt!". And believe it or not, it worked. Most of the credit goes to daddy, who patiently knelt in the bathroom many, many times, supporting Matt's poor balance, as Matt did his "business". Whether it was the Disney books, maturation, or just plain old readiness - Matthew is doing quite well.

Lately, he has even progressed to telling us he has to go potty. Even at 5:20 in the morning, "I have to go potty mom/dad." is as good as any Good Morning!

Educationally, this past year in early childhood has made a vast difference. His teachers and therapists have made a significant impact on his readiness for kindergarten. They have all been genuinely committed to his rehabilitation and academic achievement. He will start kindergarten a year late, but more ready than ever!

Recreationally, Matt's leisure skills have also taken on a more age-appropriate look. He still loves his Disney beanie babies and is happiest when all 100 of them are piled on and around him. His favorite movies continue to be Disney tapes, but he can almost recite the whole Roger Rabbit story, one-liner-by-one-liner. His favorite lines, much to the annoyance of his brother, Joey, are: "S'cuse me, Toots" and "Thanks for the cigarettes!". Simple trail games like Candyland, Mickey Mouse Yahtzee and memory card games are favorites of his, too. The PowerPuff Girls, Looney Tunes, and Arthur are big-time TV favorites. He plays Game Boy every now and then. Matt recently spent a week at daycamp in the sunshine with the mosquitoes.

Medically, Matt continues to do well. His 6 month MRI was completed in April and there isn't any sign of recurrence. He sees the pulmonologist every few months to monitor his nocturnal obstructive apnea and related breathing problems. He requires oxygen at night but we hope he will eventually outgrow this need. Matt is seeing and ENT as we approach a procedure to scope his trachea to examine any problem areas of scar tissue. He had a bad episode of croup recently that postponed the procedure for a few weeks. Matthew has 3 outpatient therapy appointments each week.

It has been a long 4 years, but we are seeing some definite progress in recovery. We are grateful for your continued prayers, support and everything you do to help fight cancer. Thank you for the hope you give us in seeing Matt live a rich and wonderful life.

Feel free to email us : GREG-SHERI.WHITE@prodigy.net if you'd like further information about Matt's tumor or rehabilitation.