Hi, I'm Matteo, a healthy 10-year-old from Northern Virginia. I'd like to tell you about a couple of kids I've gotten to know over the last year.
Jonah is a boy from Mississippi who has battled leukemia (ALL) into remission. Despite having dozens of chemo treatments by the time he was supposed to be in kindergarten, Jonah never lost his hair. He also never felt sorry for himself as he battled like a champion. He's a tough guy who could overcome anything but was definitely helped by the amazing support he received from St. Jude in Memphis. He was treated by Dr. Pui and some of the best pediatric oncologists in the world.
Another frequent visitor to St. Jude is Georgie, a four-year-old boy from West Virginia. Georgie is battling stage 4 neuroblastoma. When he asked to see his favorite vehicle, the Jeep, over 5,000 Jeep owners organized a "Jeeps For Georgie" parade in Georgie's hometown. Georgie is loved by many, and he can only get better with the help of St. Jude.
Each October over three million Americans unite for National Make a Difference Day. The Loukoumi Foundation, led by Nick Katsoris, invited me to write an essay for their book that celebrates the spirit of giving. One of the many projects to come out of the Loukoumi Foundation's Make A Difference efforts is a campaign to build a reading room at St. Jude. I am committed to raising $50,000 for this cause - one third of the cost. I can't do it alone, but together we WILL Make A Difference!
