As their hope and determination slowly faded, Garrett displayed an extraordinary sense of humor that remained steadfast despite the challenging circumstances he faced. It is often awe-inspiring how deep wisdom can radiate from those who have spent so little time on this earth yet endured so much.
Having to witness their five-year-old son Garrett battle cancer for nine long months robbed Ryan and Emilie Matthias of all hope and willpower. Even though Garrett had to deal with something no innocent child should ever have to endure, he never once lost his fantastic sense of humor.
It’s interesting how people who have lived such a short time and yet experienced so much can often have the most profound and meaningful words about life.
Before losing his battle with an incurable disease that required several painful treatments, five-year-old Garrett had something to say about the important things we often forget to love.
It is heartbreaking to witness a young man suffer so much when he is unable to intervene. All Garrett Matthias’ parents, Ryan and Emilie Matthias, could do was always be by his side and do everything to make his final days as comfortable as possible. He will be remembered for his incredible personality and sense of humor that he maintained even in the most difficult of circumstances.
Parents were devastated when they found out their child had terminal cancer. They had talked to young Garrett a few times about death because they felt they had to let him know what was happening to him very far away. They checked to see if he was scared.
The ability to inspire everyone around him, including his parents, sisters, and doctors, was possessed by this very brave little child who never stopped grinning.
Even his own obituary, which many people found touching, was written by him. Before saying goodbye in tears, this little angel sent from heaven had something to say.
Garrett Michael Boofias is my name.
I was born on this day five years ago.
I’m a bulldog and here’s my address.
Blue is my favorite color followed by red, black, green, and blue.
Batman is my favorite superhero along with Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, and Cyborg.
I want to be a professional boxer when I grow up.
My favorite people are my parents, my sister “Delcina” (Delphina), my grandparents with a new house (Fredric and Cheryl Krueger), and my dad.
Daniel and Nita Matthias, my grandparents with the camper, my cousins ​​Grady, Luke, and London Marie, my aunt Janette and stinky Uncle Andy (Andrew and Janette Krueger), and those two men, you know, my uncles (Kristopfer Krueger and James Taylor) Batman!
My sister, my blue rabbit, thrash metal, Lego, my crib mates, Batman, and when they put me to sleep before they enter my port are some of my favorite things.
“Things I hate: pants, dirty stupid cancer, needles when they put my port in, monkey noses that smell like cherry farts, and access to my port… I enjoyed the person who helped me build Lego (Randy) and a mint monkey nose from Mayo radiation.
“When I die, I’m going to turn into a gorilla and poop on my dad!” I want to be burned (like when Thor’s mother died) and turned into a tree to live in when I’m a gorilla. Big or small funerals: I want five bounce houses (because I’m five), Batman, and snow cones because funerals are depressing.
Garrett Matthias’ final wishes will be carried out by Emilie and Ryan Matthias at a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 14 from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. at 2377 132. Ct. in Van Meter, Iowa.
The parents simply felt they had to meet young Garrett’s demands. Direct contributions can be sent to the family’s GoFundMe page, or in Garrett’s memory, a handful can be sent to several charities that supported Garrett throughout his life: The Pink Tractor Foundation, the University of Iowa Dance Marathon and the Little Al Foundation.
“All the doctors, nurses, child life specialists, musicians, art therapists, and volunteers who worked so hard to treat Garrett’s cancer have our sincere gratitude. Childhood cancer is an ugly, evil beast that leaves a path of destruction, and Garrett and so many other children must deal with this reality. Cancer kills, as it did Garrett and so many others before him. Those lucky enough to survive face long-term, debilitating side effects and the ongoing anxiety of relapse. there is a cure, we will fight so that no more children would be robbed of their youth, no more siblings would lose their dearest friends, and no more parents would have to bury their infants.
“Garrett suffered nine months of agony before succumbing to cancer. During that time he never lost his sense of humor and loved to make fun of the medical staff. He was constantly pulling practical jokes, from pillows under his shirts to ‘harassing’ interns and new doctors. To no one’s surprise, when he replied, “See you later alligator.”
“Hello, bye, damn! It’s called ‘The Great Garrett Underpants.’
The bereaved parents must learn to cope with the death of their beloved son, but he will always be remembered as a happy, cheerful, and extraordinary young man who changed the lives of many.
Through the darkest nights and hardest grief, Ryan and Emilie drew strength from the memories they shared as a family. They found comfort in knowing that Garrett’s life left an indelible mark on the world and inspired countless individuals to cherish every moment, embrace humor in the face of adversity and support those fighting childhood cancer.
While the pain of losing Garrett will forever be a part of their lives, Ryan and Emilie choose to focus on the light their son brought into the world. They celebrated a vibrant, funny, and wonderful young man who defied the odds and touched the hearts of all who knew him. In their unwavering love for Garrett, they found the strength to move forward, carrying his spirit with them and continuing to fight for a world where no child has to endure the pain of cancer.
Garrett’s legacy lived on not only in his family’s memories but also in the lives he touched during his time on Earth. His journey awakened the community and fueled a collective determination to make a difference and support those affected by childhood cancer.
thank you for sharing us with this beautiful boy, who now looks down on you from heave. from Pittsburgh pa..