A Coquitlam Little League baseball player is making progress in his battle with a brain tumour.
In a message posted to social media on Sunday, Matty Sherdahl’s mother, Tamara, said the 12-year-old is moving his right arm and hand, as well as trying to open his eyes as he recovers from two operations following his diagnosis of a gerinoma tumour earlier this month.
Tamara Sherdahl said Matty’s sense of humour is also still apparent even as he endures his first round of chemotherapy that began Sept. 15.
The two have been communicating using his fingers — one for yes, two for no — and when his physiotherapist asked him whether he was comfortable, he responded with his middle finger.
“It’s baby steps,” she said. “Every day he’s getting stronger.”
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign started by a family friend to raise money to support the Sherdahl family through its ordeal has surpassed $30,000 as of this publication (Sept. 21).
Sharon Perry, whose daughter played on the same Little League team as Matty when they first started out, and whose husband, Jason, coached him as well, said she’s “speechless and in awe of how our amazing community is coming together for this family.”
The donations include a $500 contribution from Coquitlam Little League, where the Sherdahls are active volunteers in support of their son’s baseball endeavours.
Perry said the family is always quick to help out preparing the diamond, running the concession, keeping score and raising money through the annual sale of raffle books.
She said she set a high target of $100,000 for the fundraising because “the last thing anyone going through this needs to be thinking about is the financial aspect.”
The money will be used to offset the Sherdahl’s expenses as they support Matty through his treatment and recovery, as well as help pay the cost of some drugs that may not be fully covered by health insurance.
Tamara Sherdahl said the family is overwhelmed by the support.
“Keep on sending all those positive vibes, and strength and prayers,” she said.
“It really means a lot to us.”
If you wish to contribute, you’re encouraged to visit the campaign’s GoFundMe page.
