In 2006, he had his first recurrence. A second round of treatments led Matthew's mother Kelly, to create a foundation in his name. She wanted to help raise the awareness and funds needed to overcome pediatric brain tumors and to help the children and families affected by it. During a short remission, a close family friend, Kirsten Kincade, decided to support the foundation by competing in the 2007 Hawaii Ironman World Championship (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) in honor of Matthew. This gave way to the concept of "IronMatt." He was strong, he was fearless and he was determined to cross the most famous finish line in sport with Kirsten. Matt did have one warning for her, "I can run very fast you know!"
 
Matthew did not make it to that finish line as he lost his five year battle with brain and spinal cancer in April 2007. This year,more than 3000 children will be diagnosed with a brain tumor and more than 1000 kids will die from this horrible disease. Brain tumors are the #1 cancer killer of young children. There is not enough awareness, support, or research funding to fight this disease and help the children and families affected. Please, help us help the kids.