Matthew Kocher

 "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" ... Hebrews 11:1

 

What Cancer Cannot Do

  Matthew celebrates his miracles three and a half years after his diagnosis.  See Condition Updates.

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to the web site of Matthew Kocher.  We wish to thank the endless list of people who continue to pray and offer their services and help in any way possible.  The journey that changed our lives forever began on March 1, 2005 when Matthew was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia at the tender age of 11.  With great courage and inspiration, Matthew battled bravely to beat his cancer during a six-month hospital stay that included three rounds of intense chemotherapy and a life-saving bone marrow transplant from his older sister Kristina on July 15, 2005.  Along the way, we were blessed abundantly as a family, drawing strength and hope from one another, our faith, our family and our friends.  We were also blessed with truly great doctors, nurses and caregivers who treated Matthew in body, mind and spirit.

Much has happened in the past two years to transform our lives from an overwhelming sense of helplessness in the early days of diagnosis to an abundant sense of hopefulness in Matthew’s prognosis as he has battled and beaten his cancer.  Each day we are filled with the hope of a better tomorrow, not just for Matthew, but for all of the children and their families who so courageously meet the challenges of childhood cancer and bone marrow transplantation.  Our way of helping others has led to the creation of The Matthew's Miracles Fund which has been established at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation.  It is our prayer that this fund will benefit some of the most deserving kids who are facing the greatest challenges of their young lives.

This website is dedicated to Matthew’s inspirational story.  It is a story of faith, hope and love and the everyday miracles that we have experienced as we have faced each new day of our journey.  “Matthew’s Miracle,” of course, begins with Matthew, who is our #1 miracle in this journey.  His infectious spirit, determination, and wisdom inspire us every day.  We also know that Matthew’s Miracle is no accident.  It is a testament to the human spirit that with faith, hope and the love of family and friends, all things are possible.  Thank you for being part of Matthew’s Miracle. 

White Cells and Red Cells and Platelets, Oh My!!!

"There is no place like home."