For more information please contact:

Jonathan Walker

407-970-1975

jwalker1445@cfl.rr.com

15th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser

for Matthew

Sunday, October 20, 2024 - Timacuan Golf Club, Lake Mary, Florida

 407-321-0010

Matthew's Story

Matthew Walker is the son of Jonathan & Cynthia Walker of Heathrow, Florida.  Matthew will be 19 years old in September.  He is one of three children, Morgan 21 and Adam 16 years old.  On behalf of the Walker Family, it is their hopes that you, your family, loved ones and friends are all doing well. 

Matthew is one of approximately 40 known males in the world born with a rare neuronal migration disorder of the brain called Subcortical Band Heterotopia.  This disorder is one in which the white and grey matter of the brain are disorganized causing the communication pathways of the brain to be challenged, therefore causing significant impairment in his physical and cognitive abilities.  Secondary to Matthew’s neurological disorder in recent years, he was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy known as Lennox Gastaut Syndrome causing life threatening seizures.  Matthew is unable to walk or talk and is dependent upon his family and professionals to complete his activities of daily living.  The ketogenic diet and medications are administered to Matthew through a feeding tube continuously throughout the day for nutrition and for the control of several different types of seizures.  The corpus callosotomy brain surgery Matthew had several years ago continues to show successful results.

Over the past couple of years Matthew has become more healthy, comfortable and joyful.   That not to say he doesn’t have his moments.  Much of this can be attributed to overcoming urinary and bowel retention issues that prevailed for many years.  Seizures are less frequent and controlled by medication but when present causes sever anxiety for Matthew.  It has recently been suggested by Matthew’s Neurologist that the Ketogenic Diet for nutrition and seizure control be replace with another form of nutritional formula for tube feeding.  The diet is known to have serious medical side effects if used over a long period of time.  Matthew’s Epileptologist determined after a series of “thumbs up” Lab tests that he will remain on the ketogenic diet.  However, annual lab test will be conducted for monitoring purposes.  A year ago, Matthew turned eighteen years old and legally became an adult.  After a great deal of time, energy and attorney consultations, the Seminole County Courts finalized Guardianship arrangements and appointed Jonathan and Cynthia co-guardians for Matthew. 

The past few years Matthew has made great progress and has grown into an amazing young man, despite his many challenges.  This fall Matthew will be entering into the 12th grade at Seminole High School supported by the Exceptional Student Services of Seminole County, Florida.  Seminole County School's Hospital Home Bound Services will continue to be available for home visits two days per week one hour per visit.  The past couple of years these sessions have been conducted via Zoom video conferencing with his teach.  Plans are to transition to face to face instruction at Matthew’s home.  Ongoing evaluations of communication devices are being considered that may be appropriate for Matthew.  A more simple version of tobii dynavox with eye gaze technology is currently being evaluated.  Matthew will continue his high school education as a twelfth grader until he graduates in 2027 with a certificate of completion.

The Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser was created to assist financially for the care, special facilities, and medical attention that Matthew’s ongoing disabilities require. The event format this year will be similar to the last couple of years.  A boxed lunch will be provided for all attending golfers. Raffle and auction item activities will be ongoing before and during the tournament.  Matthew’s big day will conclude with a brief award ceremony and a big congratulations to the 15th Annual Miracle for Matthew Golf Tournament winning foursome.   ​​

Last year's golf tournament fundraiser was a great success!  Special thank you to the event sponsors and all who participated for giving their hearts out to Matthew:

​Raymond James Financial Services, Arnold Palmer Invitational by MasterCard, Fast Signs Sanford FL, Lake Mary Pediatric Dentistry, Russie Weidl - Watson Realty, Mom's Club of Heathrow, James Ho, DMD PA, Intercontinental Hotels, Miami FL, Trademark Press Solutions, Pierce Jewelers, R.A.R.E Project, Timacuan Golf Club, Erica Karlinsky PhD, Heathrow Country Club, Zero Latitude Custom Home Design, Kids Docs/Florida Children's Physicians & Surgeons Inc., Steve Strassman Insurance/Allstate, Debby Taboh Photography, Park Jewelers, Heathrow Country Club, Orlando Magic, AmStar Cinemas, Vineyard Wine Company,  Jackson Family Fine Wines, Rizzieri Salon, Friendly Confines Restaurant, Papa Joe's Pizza, Duffy's Sports Grill, Giovanni's Italian Restaurant, Miguel & Brittany de Arcos, Dr. Robert Hoover / Foot & Ankel Associates of Florida, sophie & trey, Digital Check Corp, Florida Pediatric Associates / Eye Physicians of Central Florida, Sherwin Williams, H&F Construction, Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes, Seminole Harley-Davidson, Wiewiora & Dunn Orthodontics, Liam Fitzpatrick's, Dexters Restaurant, Spice World, Residence Inn by Marriott Lake Mary, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Tomasino's Pizzeria, Jeff Jones Jr. Golf Instruction, Center for Health, Learning & Achievement, Transitions Physical Therapy, Pristine Nails & Spa, Kennedy's All-American Barber, Nothing bundt Cakes, Collaborative Wealth, Orlando Solar Bears, Horne, Holmes, Crenshaw, Blake & Rathbun CPA's, Marshall Insurance Group, Homebridge Financial, Advanced Dermatology of Heathrow, Austin & Samantha Buddendorff, Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Company, Crews Ink, Sanford Carpet & Flooring, RH Plumbing, Timacuan Champion Group, Bill & Mary Beth Ketelhut, Charlie Brinkley & Dawn Ellis, Integrated Independent Physicians Network, Timacuan Golf Club - Jr. Golf Camp, MARBLELIFE of Central Florida, Orange County Brewers / Tin & Taco, Grafton Street Pub, Johnston & Murphy Apparel and Shoes, Ruth's Chris Steak House - Lake Mary, Florida

For more details on Matthew's Golf Tournament Fundraiser please click on the Golf Tournament Registration Form button.  

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Matthew Sloan Walker Golf Tournament Fundraiser