August 2021 Donation: The Mathis Family
Our August 2021 donation goes out to the Mathis family. In June their son, 8 year old Parley Mathis was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor.
Parley is 8 years old and in the 3rd grade in a Chinese immersion program in Centerville. He enjoys spending his time playing baseball. He eats, sleeps, and breathes it. When he's not outside throwing or hitting a ball, he usually can be found playing Nintendo with his dad and brothers, jumping on the trampoline, or reading Harry Potter. He's the best big brother and is so kind and patient with his siblings. He is one of the bravest and strongest kids and has had to endure some pretty scary things this summer. He has a pure faith, and we believe he even prayed his lost cat Meow Meow back to life one time!
In June this year after suffering from frequent and unusual headaches since he was about 3 we pushed for imaging to be done. He was diagnosed with midline pontine glioma, previously known as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma or DIPG for short. This is a tumor that grows on the brainstem in the area of the pons. This area helps with coordination, breathing, hearing, and vision, and serves as the highway for motor nerves that travel from the brain to the muscles. There is no cure and no way to approach it surgically. The only treatment offered is radiation to give a "cinderella year" or so. Parley underwent a brainstem biopsy in July because he seemed so asymptomatic compared to the typical patient with this tumor. His sample did not capture the tumor, and showed normal tissue. Given how asymptomatic he has been, the cancer team decided that watchful waiting would be the best approach until something changes.
The community has shown a remarkable outpouring of love and support for our little guy, beyond anything we would have imagined or dared ask. After a hard year with lots of bad and scary news from around the world and country, it was very humbling and comforting to realize that people are generally good. If we could share one thing with everyone, it would be to help rebuild that trust in humanity that has been given back to us so unexpectedly.
The collective hearts of everyone at Stubbs Dental go out to young Parley and his family.
Stubbs Dental was able to donate $4,755 towards the Mathis family. If you would like to donate directly please Venmo @jason-mathis-3
Remember, when you become a patient at Stubbs Dental not only are you helping yourself by taking care of your teeth, you are helping a deserving individual or organization from your local community! If you would like to nominate someone to receive the Stubbs Dental donation please send an email to marketing@stubbsdental.com.
