Matthew’s Story

After eight years of being told that we would never be able to have children of our own, it came as a huge surprise when Nora became pregnant. On March 10, 2004 we were blessed with the birth of our son, Matthew Alexander Perez. Along with the joy of receiving this new member to our family, we received much heartbreaking news.

The Beginning
Matthew was delivered via emergency cesarean section at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Poughkeepsie, NY. He suffered pulmonary hypertension and was intubated immediately. Matthew was transferred that evening to the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY. Matthew developed seizures overnight and had Phenobarbital administered to control the seizures. MRI’s and CT scans were performed and evidence of severe brain injury was present. In addition, a subdural hematoma (bleeding in the brain) was found. Fortunately, this subdural bleeding did not require surgery. As a result of his brain injury, Matthew also suffers from high muscle tone (muscle stiffness). Matthew was discharged on March 26, 2004. We would administer Phenobarbital at home.

On June 30, 2004 Matthew showed visual / physical evidence of seizures at home. He was hospitalized once again for two weeks. During this hospital stay, his Phenobarbital was increased; Dilantin and Klonipin were added to his regimen. Upon discharge his regimen consisted of Phenobarbital, Dilantin and Topamax in varying dosages. Matthew continues to take all three anti-seizure medications to this day.

The Present
In addition to his medicinal regimen to control his seizures, Matthew receives physical therapy three times a week and occupational therapy once a week. Matthew must be seen on a regular basis by a neurologist, neonatologist, and gastroenterologist. Not to mention the usual office visits to the pediatrician and emergencies to the hospital.

Matthew’s condition has given us a real, yet unexpected, challenge in our lives. It has required us to make drastic changes to our lifestyle and schedules. Oftentimes, it has been an emotional, physical and financial drain on us.

Latest News/Ultimas Noticias
February/Febrero 2008
March/Marzo 2007
February/Febrero 2006
June/Junio 2005

The Future
No medical professional can state with certainty how Matthew’s brain injury will affect him in the long term. A lifetime of seizures and medication, inability to walk or talk, poor eyesight or blindness, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy – all possible effects of Matthew’s brain injury.

How You Can Help
We are investigating alternative treatments for Matthew including, but not limited to, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). If effective, a mild HBOT chamber is available to treat Matthew at home. These alternative treatments and equipment are costly and not covered by private or state health insurance. In addition, preparations for long term disability are being considered and made. Wheelchair accessibility changes to our home and a wheelchair accessible vehicle for transport are expenses that will most likely be incurred.

If you would like to help with Matthew’s medically related expenses, your generous donations would be greatly appreciated. Your donations can be made through Paypal (just choose one of the buttons below) or
checks can be mailed to:

Matthew A. Perez Medical Health Fund
P.O. Box 183
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Thank you for your kindness and support.
Jose, Nora and Matthew
The Perez Family

If you would like to e-mail a note to Matthew,
click here E-mail Matthew

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