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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, September 20, 2012 · 22 CHECKING oUT THE VISITOR: Matthew and his twin, Shannon, left, check out all the bells and whistles of the truck. At right, older sister Erin strains to touch the pedals as she sits behind the steering wheel. Continued from page 3 Young boy still talking about his `fire truck' Sean estimates Matthew receives approximately 25 needles a week. Through it all Sean and Bonnie said their son has been a real trooper. "I think he's pretty aware of being sick, but it doesn't hold him back. He still does what he wants," said Bonnie. "A lot of the chemo is taken orally, the small doses he takes at home. He doesn't like the taste of it, but he's a trooper, he has no problem taking it orally and on time." Sean said Matthew actually looks forward to going to the clinics he must attend twice a week and copes with all the needles he gets by pretending to give his toy rabbit a needle after he receives one himself. Bonnie was talking about what her son was going through on Facebook when Facebook friend and Hopedale Presbyterian Church congregation member Ralph Robinson noticed her comments and decided to act. "He's got leukemia, he's being treated and he seems like a pretty tough little character," said the veteran town councillor. "He needs all the happiness he can get and oh PHOTOS BY ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog The treatment has been a difficult experience for Matthew. His dad the chemotherapy drains the boy while steroids he must take affect his son's mood making him extremely irritable and agitated on occasion. Overcome academic difficulties Chisholm Academy High School offers a structured, nurturing environment for students with learning difficulties or who require extra support to be successful. Both academic and applied courses are offered and every student has an Individual Education Plan. CLASS SIZES of three to twelve students FACILITIES are modern and well-equipped with a new 30,000 sq. ft. building INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL PLANS are completed for each student AFTER SCHOOL SUPPORT for elementary and secondary students ASSESSMENT AND COUNSELLING services provided by Dr. H. Bernstein & Associates my he was happy (Sunday). I saw a Facebook post from his mom and she said he was still talking about his fire truck." Money was also collected for POGO (Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario) at the Sunday event. Things are looking up for Matthew, with Sean pointing out that currently the treatment has sent the leukemia into remission. Sean said he would like to thank those who have been there for his family during this time. "We're just really grateful. People seem to be at their best when people are in trouble or going through difficult times," he said. "That has certainly been our experience. We've actually been overwhelmed. Bonnie is on Facebook and I'm writing a blog about this and as a result people all over the world are praying for Matthew who have never met Matthew or us. We are truly grateful." Grades 7 and 8 1484 Cornwall Road | Oakville, ON 905.844.3240 | www.chisholmacademy.com Now offering On Now at The Brick! For more details go instore or online @thebrick.com.