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Matthew Ricketts
submitted by Jody Saunders

Matthew Ricketts was born February 24 1983 and diagnosed with ALL (Leukemia) at four months of age. Matthew did well with treatment until his relapse in June 1985 when again Matthew and his family faced very difficult days. Every effort was made to achieve a second remission, however, on September 9, 1985, the sad news was delivered. There would not be another remission, medically, nothing more could be done for Matthew.

It was now up to his family and friends to comfort Matthew but in more ways than one, it was Matthew who comforted his family and friends. In his short life Matthew taught his family and friends many things. He expressed his dislike for hospitals, his love of watching planes and most of all his love for his family and friends.

On October 7, 1985, Matthew passed away but still today, he continues to inspire us all to find a cure.