Matthew is our 2.5 year old foster son.  He & his twin sister Peyton have been with us since July of 2010.  It has always been our intent to adopt them, but the process is very slow going. Late last year Matthew developed headaches which couldn't be explained by the usual childhood ear aches and teething issues.  January 3, 2011 I brought him to DHMC Hanover for a sedated CAT scan.  At the conclusion of the scan and prior to Matthew waking from sedation, the radiologist came and advised us not to leave the building explaining Matthew now needed an MRI.  After the MRI, the chief of pediatric neurosurgery, Dr Susan Durham met with me and confirmed our fears... Matthew had a large tumor, later diagnosed as ependymoma, entwined in his brain stem.  The doctor advised that surgery would be needed ASAP.  January 8th, Matthew underwent 13 hours of surgery to remove a cancerous tumor "the size of a clementine."  Being a typical 2 year old, being told he had cancer did little to dampen his spirits. He has thrived inspite of the challenges this has presented for him.  All through chemotherapy, and a second, and third, and fourth, and fifth, and sixth surgery in April, through May (31 days mostly in PICU this time), he persists in being two.  We have spent more of 2011 in hospitals than out. He has enjoyed seeing the DHART helicopter and ambulances while up north and spends the rides to MGH Boston searching the highways for police cars, fire trucks and tractor trailers... As I said, he's very two.  At present we are beginning his proton beam radiation treatment at MGH.  He has 30 appointments setup, Monday through Friday daily, all outpatient.  We commute the 140 miles round-trip for each appointment.  Our own two birth children, Michael age 12 & Alex age 10, have been home schooled since February as the appointments have drained what little time we had for anything else.  My wife Becky is a saint and has done more than any one person should ever have to throughout this process, even giving up her own job.  We have devoted as much time as possible to remaining a normal family with activities and playtime with the kids. I am honored that you would choose to help us in this manner.  It touches all of us deeply to see that others care as much about us, as we do about all our kids.