In addition to his love of Scouting and computers, Matt had many other remarkable characteristics. Matt loved kids. He loved helping people. He cherished his friendships. He enjoyed camping. He fought his illness with courage and dignity.
As the years have passed, the Trustees have seen the need to expand the scope of the Matthew T Stevenson Scholarship Trust in order to “reflect” Matt to additional charities. Beginning in 2017, The Trust supports these charities:
1. St. Jude Hospital – St. Jude offers exceptional medical care without charge to children with cancer. It has locations in Peoria, IL and Memphis, TN.
2. Children’s Hospital, Denver, CO., Experimental Therapeutics Program. - This program is part of the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital Colorado. The ETP is committed to serving those patients with recurrent illness, those whose disease has not responded to traditional treatment and those with a diagnosis that has no reasonable cure.
3. Family House, Peoria, IL.- As Matt battled a relapse of leukemia in early 2001, his parents travelled with him to Chicago, staying with him 4 weeks while the experimental chemo program was administered. His parents were fortunate that they could afford a hotel and transportation to and from the hospital. Some are not able to. Family House provides inexpensive, clean and safe housing and transportation to families with loved ones at Peoria area hospitals.
4. (New in 2018) Roundup River Ranch, Avon, CO. - Roundup River Ranch enriches the lives of children with serious illnesses and their families by offering free, medically-supported camp programs that provide unforgettable opportunities to discover joy, friendships, and confidence.
If you would like to help us help these organizations, please specify which one(s) you wish your donation to be directed to when you send your contribution. Thank you!