Upcoming Events

Note about Blood Donations: The Central Blood bank assigns Matthew a number in case anyone wants to go to a Central Blood Bank Center and donate blood or platelets in his name on their own. Blood can only be donated every 56 days. Platelets can be donated every 48 hours, but the process takes about 2 hours to donate.

For anyone in the Pittsburgh area that would like to donate blood or platelets at a local blood bank center (Moon, Washington, etc.) or is not available on April 30th, below is Matthew's Account Number so he gets credit for the products.

Matthew Kocher Z002-0655

Internet Service Plan
Internet Providers has teamed up with Access995 and AccessXtreme Internet Service, in support of the Matthew Kocher Fund. For every set-up of a new account, Internet Providers will donate $9.95 to the Matthew Kocher Fund. You can enjoy a 3-month, 4-month, 6-month or 12-month Internet Service plan, starting as low as $9.95 per month. AccessXtreme offers the alternative to more expensive DSL and Cable internet, with High Speed Dial-up, starting as low as $13.95 per month. You will enjoy lightning fast speed, that you won’t be able to believe it’s not broadband. Free Technical support, Pop-up Blocker, Anti Spyware, Email Accelerator and Parental Control, are all included at no extra cost. Enjoy an alternative to high priced DSL and Cable internet service, and help support the Matthew Kocher Fund by calling our Sales Representatives at 1-888-884-4995 today. Please do not forget to mention the Matthew Kocher Fund, when speaking to a Sales Representative. Visit our web site at http://www.access995.com/home/AccessXtreme/index.cfm for further information of this service. Thank you for your support and prayers for Matthew. For information about this sponsorship or questions pertaining to this sponsorship, call Bob Burdzy at 724-321-3297.

D&S Ink Cellar at 7171 Old Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, will take your empty ink jet and toner cartridges; proceeds of 12 cents to $12 dollars each (depending on type of cartridge) will be donated to the Matthew Kocher Fund. They will pick up large amounts from businesses. Call 412-787-3640.

Victorian Style Dollhouse RAISED $175 for St. Jude's & $175 for Matthew.
Buy a chance to win a handcrafted Victorian style dollhouse and help support St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Matthew Kocher’s fight against Leukemia. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10. Make checks payable to Karen Goodwin. Half of the proceeds will go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the other half will go to Matthew’s Miracles drawing will be held on January 27, 2006. It is not necessary to be present to win. The winner will be notified by telephone. Thank you for your donation.

Nike Women's Marathon 26.2 mile
Patti Kelley-Ortiz (Lori's neighbor) will be running in this marathon in San Francisco on October 23, 2005. This is not a fundraiser for Matthew, but an event to raise money for the Leukemia Society. If you would like to sponsor Patti, payment can be sent to Patti Kelly-Ortiz, 805 Windover Drive, Oakdale, PA 15071.

Pirates at PNC Park Fundraiser
Sunday, September 4th (Labor Day Weekend) at 1:35 p.m. Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs. Every ticket sold will go towards Matthew's fund. If you purchase a $20 outfield box seat, you will also receive a Pirates Ball Cap as part of their Hats Off Program. Children 12 and younger, will receive a kids Bob the Builder lunch pail.

Community Blood Drive
Saturday, July 30th, 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Church. This is a community blood drive for Matthew Kocher, Emily Celedonia, Lisa Bittner, and Brian Rupnik.

10th Annual Derek Smith Charity Golf Scramble Event to benefit children with Leukemia.
July 16, 2005, Blackmoor Golf Club, Richmond, Ohio. $75 per person; includes 18 holes, cart, beer and plenty of good food. $20 per person "dinner only" package available. Reservations required. Shot Gun Start. Registration at 7:30 a.m.

Raffle Based on Daily Number July 4, 2005 Proceeds go to the Matthew Kocher Fund.

Garden Tour
Saturday, June 25th from 10:00 - 4:00 p.m. and
Sunday, June 26th from 11:00 - 4:00 p.m. (Rain or Shine.)
Meet at the Gazebo in Oakdale. Purchase a Garden Tour Book for $10.00. Visit the different varieties of local gardens in the booklet. Proceeds from the Deklewa garden donated to the Matthew Kocher Fund.

Bayer Blood Drive
Monday, June 13 and Tuesday June 14, 2005
8:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (both days)
Donor Bus parked at Bldg. #6
Contact the Medical Dept. at (412) 777-4791
Donations will help replenish the blood Matthew uses during his chemotherapy.

Celebrity Fashion Show RAISED $663.00
Thursday, June 9th at 7:00 p.m.
West Allegheny High School
Join the fun ... models include Mrs. Nolan & children, Mrs. Sites, Dr. Hoover, Dr. Walsh, Mr. Oberg and children, Dan Smith, Bob Palko, and Officer Bates.
All proceeds benefit Matthew Kocher.

Lanxess Blood Drive
Wednesday, June 8, 2005
9:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Donor bus parked in back of the bldg.
Donations will help replenish the blood Matthew uses during his chemotherapy.

Brockway Blood Drive COLLECTED 43 UNITS.
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
Brockway Fire Hall
In honor of Matthew Kocher.

Spaghetti Dinner
Sponsored by Middle School PTA RAISED $9,055.40
Sunday, May 22nd, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Adults $7.00; Children 10 and under $4.00
Chinese Auction, 50/50 Raffle, Bake Sale
Musical Entertainment provided by students from WA High School, Middle School, and Jazz Band Ensembles.

Avon Matthew's Miracles Fundraiser
RAISED 340.20 100% of proceeds go to Matthew's Fund. Sale ends May 13th.
Featured items: Natural Shower Gels, Body Lotions and Liquid Soaps in five scents ... 3/$10; Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition: Aerosol or Spray ... $6. Click here for additional products. Email

Matthew Kocher Replenishment Blood Drive COLLECTED 210 UNITS.
RAISED $914 from the bake sale.
Saturday, April 30th, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
St. Columbkille Church
Blood Donations and Bone Marrow Matches will be done this day. There will also be a bake sale.

Lemonade Stand
April 10, 2005
Brandon and Victoria with several other neighborhood children set up a lemonade stand in Matthew's neighborhood for five hours. They chased down cars to sell lemonade or request a donation. The local police stopped to donate and provided sirens. A whopping total of $230.00 was raised and given to the Kocher Family. See picture in the photo gallery.

Party-Lite Votive Candle Fundraiser
RAISED $1,250. $6.00 per half-dozen (choose from 39 scents.)
On Sale now until April 8, 2005.
email her at auntpooz@brockwaytv.com [Email]

Middle School PTA Meeting
Plan Spaghetti Dinner in May
Tuesday, April 5th, 7:00 p.m.
Middle School Cafeteria

West Allegheny High School Blood Drive COLLECTED 65 UNITS.
Tuesday, March 22, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Donations from this drive will go to Matthew.

South Fayette High School Blood Drive
Monday, March 21, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Mention Matthew's account #Z002-0655 at time of donation.

Blood Drive COLLECTED 45 UNITS.
March 16, 2005
Brockway Area High School
in honor of Matthew blood drive held for students, faculty, and administrators.

Pizza Sale: Sponsored by Uncle Kevin Kocher RAISED $75
March 16, 11:30 am - (till pizza runs out)
Naval Squadron VAW 123
Norfolk Naval Air Station
Norfolk, VA
All proceeds will go to the Matthew Kocher Fund.

Chocolate Bunny Fundraiser And Week-Long Other Events RAISED $2,300
Tuesday, March 15, 2005, Lunchtime: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
McKee Elementary School
Buy a raffle ticket for $1.00 each for a chance to win a 4-foot-tall Chocolate Easter Bunny.

McKee PTA Art Fair/Book Fair RAISED $600
Saturday, March 12, 2005 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Give us a $1 per child, and we'll give you a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 4-foot tall, decorated chocolate bunny, courtesy of Andy's Candies!
** All raffle proceeds benefit Matthew Kocher as part of Matthew's Miracles.

Brockway Blood Drive for Matthew COLLECTED OVER 35 UNITS
March 8th
Brockway Presbyterian Church