After a nine year battle against a brain tumor, Matthew passed away at 4:30am on Mother's Day, 2009. He fought so hard for so long and it was his time to rest. Nine years, eleven surgeries, two hospitals, two six-week rounds of daily radiation, six weeks of chemotherapy and endless amounts of pain and discomfort. Matthew was an inspiration to so many people who knew him and even people who never met him personally. He faced everything that came his way with extraordinary courage and determination. We were so very fortunate to have this sweet, caring child in our lives for 13 beautiful years. Matthew was quite an artist and loved to share his masterpieces with so many people. Music was so very special to him. He became quite a musician, composing music on the computer, as well as playing the upright string bass - an instrument taller than he was. He loved the beach, hot wings, Japanese steakhouse dinners, being a big brother to Cameron and hanging out with his best friend Bryan.