Healing Matthew

Matthew was born May 29, 2013 with a rare urea cycle disorder. His body can’t properly break down protein and instead deposits ammonia into the blood stream. During the first few days of his life his ammonia levels spiked up to 10 and 20 times the normal level. High levels of ammonia can cause brain damage. Matthew was moved to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Childrens Hospital of The Kings Daughters where quick intervention helped save his life. After 6 weeks he came home to wait for a liver transplant. This summer, August 2014, he received his new liver. The new liver won’t cure him of his disease. Every cell in his body will still have the mutated gene for the urea cycle, but a new liver will function properly and provide him with a protection against further spikes. The large medical bills from the transplant are arriving this holiday season. Your prayers and support are a gift of hope and new opportunity, the true spirit of the season.

The elephant on the tee shirt represents Matthew's favorite stuffed toy, "Hospital Elephant", which he received during his stay at CHKD.  
Find more information about Hospital Elephant, Matthew, and his family at www.healingmatthew.com