A six-year-old boy named Matias is on a remarkable journey towards recovery after being diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. His battle began at just 7½ months old when a tumour developed against his spinal cord, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. Now, through intensive rehabilitation, Matias has regained the ability to walk, and he continues to work diligently on his mobility at the Kennedy Krieger Institute.
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Matias’s road to recovery has been marked by perseverance and spirit. At Kennedy Krieger, he participates in tailored rehabilitation programmes that focus on enhancing his strength, balance, and coordination. His therapy sessions involve specialised exercises and the use of sensors, allowing him to practice stepping and body control. With determination, Matias often responds to the challenges posed by his therapists, saying, “I can do it,” demonstrating his unyielding resolve.
Since the age of 18 months, Matias has been under the guidance of physical therapist Rachel Mertins. She has witnessed firsthand the joy and positive energy he brings to the therapy sessions. Mertins highlights his upbeat character, saying, “He makes jokes and interacts with adults and the children around him, bringing so much joy to this place.” Matias’s infectious spirit, coupled with his impressive progress, offers inspiration to those involved in his care.
However, the journey to this point has been fraught with uncertainty and fear for Matias’s parents, Rachel Osborn and Jason Kling. Initially baffled by their son’s unexplained symptoms, they consulted their paediatrician multiple times over five weeks. Rachel recalled, “We started noticing some symptoms that we really didn’t know what they were. They were kind of loosely connected.” The search for answers was taxing, culminating in the shocking revelation that Matias was suffering from neuroblastoma.
Medical procedures followed swiftly. Doctors identified a tumour pressing against Matias’s spinal cord, necessitating surgery to remove as much of it as possible. Subsequently, he underwent chemotherapy to address any residual cancer. Tragically, the next chapter of their story was a devastating one for the family. After going to bed with the full use of his legs, Matias woke up to the harrowing reality of paralysis.
Despite the grim situation, Matias’s parents refused to remain passive. Once their son was medically cleared, they sought immediate physical therapy, aware of the critical timeframe for recovery. Rachel explained, “We knew there was a really narrow window of time to start physical therapy. Literally the day that he was cleared, we started therapy.” This proactive approach has been essential in Matias’s ongoing rehabilitation.
In their search for optimal care, Rachel and Jason discovered the Kennedy Krieger Institute thanks to a recommendation from another family who had faced a similar challenge. “We came to learn there was a world-renowned spinal cord injury centre 45 minutes away from where we live,” Rachel said. The expertise and resources available at the institute have proven invaluable to Matias’s recovery efforts.
Another significant factor in Matias’s journey is the presence of his identical twin brother, who does not face the same mobility challenges. Jason believes that having a twin serves as a source of motivation for Matias. “The fact that he has an identical twin who is able-bodied, I think that did a huge amount for his mentality and spirit to know that he wanted to move like his brother,” Jason reflected. This kinship has not only provided emotional support but also has inspired Matias to set ambitious goals for his rehabilitation.
As Matias continues to work towards improving his mobility, his story resonates with many families facing similar challenges. His unfaltering spirit and the unwavering support of his family and medical team offer hope and encouragement to anyone facing the long and often difficult path of recovery from serious illness. The journey may remain arduous, but with each step taken in rehabilitation, Matias demonstrates that determination and love can guide one through even the darkest times.