His oncologist was so amazed with him that she and his social worker took him out to celebrate his Eagle award. Matt still deals with effects of his treatment. At the beginning, he had to relearn how to walk because the tumor and surgery interfered with his sense of balance. The radiation and chemotherapy can cause some learning disabilities, so Matt had to re-learn how to learn. In addition, he injects himself daily with a growth hormone because the ordeal affected his pituitary gland, which stimulates growth.
Issues keep coming up.
Chemo and radiation are rough on a growing child's body. The night Matt received his Eagle Award, he was the only one in his troop being honored. The audience was filled with more than 100 people, including family, friends and member of other Boy Scout Troops, who applauded Matt's accomplishment. They've touched Matt's life and Matt has touched their lives. Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service .