Matthew the miracle

At birth, Matthew Rollins, faced the toughest challenge of his life: Survival.

Born 3-1/2 months prematurely, his tiny body was barely discernible through the tubes and wires needed to keep him alive. His heart, lungs and kidneys were underdeveloped and he suffered from severe physical problems including cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease and visual impairment.

But, little Matthew was a born-fighter. Before he celebrated his first birthday, he survived surgeries on his heart, eyes, lungs and brain.

Considering Matthew's fragile condition, medical specialists advised his family to set their expectations low. His parents were told that he would be bed-bound and need total care for his lifetime. That he may smile but would communicate with little more than groans.

The family was undaunted and wanted to find best care available for their son. Through exhaustive research, Donna, his mom, discovered the Tacoma Learning Center (TLC). Donna recognized that the unique services TLC provides would be the beginning of Matthew's stabilization and development. His family moved to Tacoma when Matthew was 18 months.

Matthew's involvement in TLC home visits and group classes were life changing. At 3 years old he has learned to sit, crawl and is beginning to learn to stand alone. He communicates with sign language and has a 20-word vocabulary. Additionally, Matthew has mastered the art of dancing in his tiny wheelchair.

Above all of these amazing accomplishments, Matthew's personality and joy are inspirational to everyone who has pleasure to cross his path