Matthew Peters - Fighting the Battle

Matthew (Update - Matthew lost his battle with Cancer and returned to his Heavenly Father on May 18th 2013. Per his sister, "I just want to make one thing very clear. Matthew did not lose to cancer. Cancer lost to him. He lives on in an amazing place, and his cancer is dead.")

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I stopped by to see Matthew Peters this week at Phoenix Children's Hospital. He and his family continues to fight the battle against cancer. Each day brings small victories and sometimes new challenges.

When I was there he responded briefly to his mothers touch and voice. He even opened his eyes a few times. One of those times he grabbed his mothers hand and would not let go. I understand this is a rare occurrence lately. He has been slipping in and out of consciousness for the past few weeks. In this picture they were prepping him for an ambulance ride to Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. He received a radiation treatment that they hope will allow him to be more alert.

I couldn't help but notice the wonderful team of doctors and nurses that surrounded him constantly. I could tell they truly care about this young man and his family.

I found the picture below of Matthew taken during a trip to Rocky Point a few years ago. Our families have traveled several several times to Rocky Point and camped together on the beach. Those were great trips. I'm pretty sure Matthew would rather be on the beach throwing a football then where he finds himself at the moment.

Below is a picture from a Fundraiser put on by the Gilbert Girls Volleyball program in conjunction with a game against Xavier High School. All the generous proceeds from the September 2012 game went to Matthew and his family to help them through this journey.

Our prayers continue to be with you Matthew and the Peters family!

Matthew's sister Jenelle keeps us all updated on Matthew's condition with this blog: http://matthewreespeters.blogspot.com/