Wil Wells
Sponsor: Mercy Springs Foundation

North Dakota
Matt (Age 9)
Short Bowel Syndrome

“I love you to the asteroid belt and back times infinity,” frequently says Matthew of Moorhead, Minn. Love is certainly never in short supply when it comes to the life of Matthew. Not only does this 9-year-old have a huge heart, he also has a huge circle of friends, family and caregivers who have helped him face unique medical challenges.

Shortly after a premature birth, Matthew developed an infection called necrotizing enterocolitis. This infection resulted in the need for Matthew’s colon to be removed, resulting in short bowel syndrome. At one year of age, Matthew weighed just 10 pounds and was not strong enough to sit up unsupported. With the help of caregivers at MeritCare Children’s Hospital, Matthew has grown and thrived. At age 5 his tube feedings were discontinued; however, he still gets severely dehydrated and often gets infections in his small intestine.

Because of the medical expertise of those at MeritCare, Matthew is able to live a normal life—but Matt chooses to live a life that is far from normal. His huge imagination lets him live the life of his favorite Star Wars characters or his favorite wizards in the Harry Potter series.