Dear
Friends and Family:
One of my closest childhood friends Dalila and her husband John need our help.
Matthew John Piotrowski was born with a defective intestine. Doctors concluded that only a transplant would save him. On Tuesday February 20, 2001 Matthew received a liver, small bowel and pancreas transplant at the Lied Transplant Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.
Friends have organized a campaign, along with the help of COTA {Children’s Organ Transplant Association} to help raise funds for the transplant and post-transplant expenses. Since the transplant has taken place out of state – Matthew’s mom {Dalila} has relocated in order to be at his side for at least 6 months post-transplant. Dad {John} will have to remain in Illinois to work, but will need to travel occasionally to be by both Matthew and Dalila’s side.
Like all children, this baby is special. But because of Matthew’s condition, he is even more exceptional. Matthew doesn’t realize he’s sick and his personality reflects that. It is impossible not to be touched by the sweetness of this child’s smile. His dimples create craters in his chubby cheeks and his eyes sparkle the way the stars in the sky shine. His laugh is contagious and one can’t help but be moved by the way he opens up our heart and lifts our spirits. There’s nothing any of us wouldn’t do to help him.
Our 1st obstacle has been met, Matthew was on the waiting list! The 2nd obstacle we met was a MIRACLE!! Through the grace of another families generosity we received the organs Matthew needed. Now our next obstacle is the acceptance of the transplanted organs in Matthew’s body. So far we're doing great!! Our last obstacle is that we need to be able to cover the expenses. Dalila and John must concentrate on their boy’s health, they shouldn’t have to worry about how to pay medical bills.
The family and friends of the Piotrowski’s believe that Faith, Hope and Love are going to continue to bring Matthew miracles! We have Faith in his doctors and caregivers; Hope in our hearts and the Love we all feel for him knows no bounds. He is truly a gift from God and we cherish him.
Please do whatever you can to help us move mountains for Matthew. It doesn’t matter how big or how small. He deserves it!
Most importantly, please remember this extraordinary little boy and his family in your prayers. As long as we keep the spirit alive, we’ll get the miracles we so desperately need.
We
still need to do more!!
If
any of you have connections to anyone in the media {either print or television},
please let us know. Dalila and John
are willing to do whatever necessary to get as much exposure as possible for
Matthew.
We’ve
also been asked to start an e-mail chain for people that you know to get as many
people involved as possible. We’ll
also be writing to the Oprah Winfrey Show {based here in Chicago} to see if her
Angel Network can help. Please
feel free to do whatever you can think of as well.
If
you have a website, or know someone that does…please put out the word via the
mailing lists and if possible - a
link to Matthew’s site… again
the address is…www.helpmatthew.org
I
can’t express to you how much Dalila means to me. We’ve been friends since I was 12 years old.
She’s a neighborhood girl and grew up 1½ blocks from me.
Her family has strong ties to the community and our neighborhood church -
St. Benedicts. She is the kindest,
gentlest woman I know. He husband
John is a wonderful, caring man. They
are both doctors who took an oath to dedicate their lives to helping others. And now they’re doing everything they can to help their
boy.
Mere
words cannot express to you how special Matthew is. He is a happy, sweet boy that smiles whenever you look at
him. He has dimples the size of
craters in his cheeks and his eyes sparkle the way stars do.
Please
help in whatever way you can!! Forward
this to as many people as possible. Ask
friends, business associates, family and even strangers –ANYONE – to help us
pass this along.
If
you have any questions or I can help in anyway, please contact me @ kfizgig@aol.com. Again, Matthew’s address is…www.helpmatthew.org
Please
also keep this wonderful family in your prayers. I thank you all in advance.
Please visit www.helpmatthew.org