Matthew, age 7
Matthew is a 7 year old who was diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), which is a form of Autism at almost 3 years of age. Fast forward 4 ˝ years and Matthew is a healthy, happy, “Aspiring Artist” whose diagnosis has been removed, by the doctors diagnosed him in 2003.
In September 2007 he attended a birthday party where Miss Debra was holding an art class. By the end of the party, Matthew was hooked and by the end of 2008 he will have done 26 paintings with Miss Debra. He is enrolled in Miss Debra’s after-school and Saturday afternoon classes right through December. This is a boy who doesn’t even like coloring or regular art class!
Matthew is fully aware of his own previous diagnosis. He knows that he is blessed to have come this far, and wants to help other children with Autism. Last February, for his 7th birthday instead of gifts, he asked all of his classmate, friends, and family to donate money to either COSAC or Autism Speaks, each non-profit organizations helping children with Autism. He raised over $350.00.
This year, the H.E.A.L Foundation, out of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, has asked Matthew if he would donate a painting for their annual Valley of Dreams Gala & Charity Golf Classic next summer. Additionally, they would like him to be there to present the winner with his Aspiring Artists painting and share his story of recovery.
At H.E.A.L’s Gala last year, Jenny McCarthy was the guest speaker and it is Matthew’s desire to give her one of his paintings as well for Generation Rescue, which she along with Jim Carrey are board members. We are at the beginning stages of communication for this and will let you know if Matthew gets to meet Jenny McCarthy and present her with one of his original “Aspiring Artist” paintings in the future.
Matthew’s rendition of Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night
