Dear Family and friends,

As you know Matthew has lived with and struggled with Duchene Muscular
Dystrophy for all of his 16 years of life. Despite this, Matthew has learned how to set and
achieve goals. He excels in school. He enjoys being with friends and family. He does not
complain about his weakness or the restrictions placed on him by this disease. He bears his
troubles with patience and a determination to enjoy life. However as the disease progresses
he is entering into a time of ever more complex problems related to daily living. His
weakness is extreme and now every fun thing he participates in drains his limited energy. He
pays a great price for the enjoyment of simple things that most people take for granted.

This affects not just Matthew but our whole family. All of us are more and more
involved in helping him in his daily living. All of us are affected by the Muscular Dystrophy.
We struggle daily. We are looking for ways to ease our burden by the use of some additional
medical and handicap equipment. This equipment is expensive and beyond our ability to
pay for it. Matthew's insurance covers only basic medical equipment, not equipment that is
specifically for his needs. For example, they will pay for a basic shower chair but not one
with features that he needs.

Another thing that is not covered until he is 21 is in-home health aides. All of his
personal care falls upon me, his mother. I cannot be gone from home more than a 1 or 2
hours and if I travel I must take him with me. The effort involved is taking its toll on me
his mother. I would like to train and hire a few young men to be Matthew's health aides, to
come out once a day to lift him and help with his care.

We love you and we are so glad you have touched our lives! There are so many ways
that you have shown us love. Thank you for cards, letters, gifts, time, talents, and many
other ways you have shown us who you are over the years. We feel grateful and humbled
when we think of how much time, energy, and resources that friends and family have
already given. It is comforting to know that so many care about us. We are very aware of the
difficult economic times. Many are struggling with their own medical problems or financial
situations. We know we are not the only ones who have needs. However, we will be very
grateful if you can help us. A donation of any amount would help.
Thank You!

Ginger Benedict and family