Garrett Michael Matthias
July 06, 2018
Garrett Michael Matthias
AKA “The Great Garrett Underpants”
3/26/13 – 7/6/18
My name is: Garrett Michael Boofias
My birthday is: I am 5 years old
My address is: I am a Bulldog!
My favorite color is: Blue….and Red and Black and Green
My favorite superhero is: Batman…and Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk and Cyborg
When I grow up: I’m going to be a professional boxer
My favorite people are:
• Mommy, Daddy, my sister ‘Delcina’ (Delphina),
• The grandparents with the new house (Fredric and Cheryl Krueger),
• The grandparents with the camper (Daniel and Nita Matthias),
• My cousins: Grady, ‘that guy I took down that one time’ (Luke), and London Marie,
• My Auntie Janette and Stinky Uncle Andy (Andrew and Janette Krueger),
• Those two guys, you know, my uncles (Kristopfer Krueger and James Taylor)
• Batman!!
The things I love the most: Playing with my sister, my blue bunny, thrash metal, Legos, my daycare friends, Batman and when they put me to sleep before they access my port
Things I hate: Pants!, dirty stupid cancer, when they access my port, needles, and the monkey nose that smells like cherry farts…I do like the mint monkey nose like at Mayo Radiation and that one guy that helped me build Legos (Randy)
When I die: I am going to be a gorilla and throw poo at Daddy!
Burned or Buried: I want to be burned (like when Thor’s Mommy died) and made into a tree so I can live in it when I’m a gorilla
Big or Small Funeral: Funerals are sad: I want 5 bouncy houses (because I’m 5), Batman, and snow cones
Emilie and Ryan Matthias will honor Garrett’s final wishes by having a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 14th from 5pm – 11pm at 2377 132nd Ct Van Meter, Iowa
Note: Symbolic Asgardian burial ceremony and fireworks will be held just after sunset
A private burial of Garrett’s ashes will be held at a later time once his parents figure out how the hell to get his ashes made into a tree and locate a nature preserve, so his tree resides in a protected area.
Donations can be made directly to the family https://www.gofundme.com/garrett-mathiasmathias-family or in Garrett’s honor to a few of the many non-profits that helped Garrett along the way: The Little Al Foundation (https://www.littlealfoundation.com), The Pink Tractor Foundation (https://www.facebook.com/PinkTractorFoundation) and the University of Iowa Dance Marathon (https://dancemarathon.uiowa.edu)
We are so grateful to the many doctors, nurses, child life specialists, musicians, art therapists, and volunteers that worked tirelessly to cure Garrett of his cancer. The reality for Garrett and so many other children is pediatric cancer is an ugly, nasty beast that leaves a path of destruction. For Garrett and many others before him – cancer kills. Those that are ‘lucky’ enough to survive endure long term debilitating side effects and the constant fear of relapse. We will fight for a cure until no other kids are robbed of their childhood, no other siblings lose their best friends, and no other parents have to bury their babies.
Garrett endured nine months of hell before he lost his battle with cancer. During that time he never lost his sense of humor and loved to tease the doctors and nurses. From whoopy cushions and sneaking clothes pins on their clothes to ‘hazing’ the interns and new staff doctors, he was forever a prankster. Nothing caught people off guard as his response to ‘see ya later alligator’:
See ya later, suckas! - The Great Garrett Underpants
A friend
07/15/2018
My sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved Garrett. I read his story in the New York Times and wanted to pass along some info on having ashes made into a tree. I hope it helps. May God bless you all.
urnabios.com
Decarlos stewart
07/15/2018
Reading your story really touched me, it brought me to tears, Im a father of six and I have a spunky 4yr old and I can only imagine your pain, my heart goes out to your family
Ryan David Hanuman Palmer
07/15/2018
My Man!
Wisconsin Mom
07/15/2018
Childhood cancer sucks. I appreciate how it pulls the rug out from us and changes lives forever. Yet it affords us moments of grace that no other family experiences... those tender moments, times of hysterical laughter and eternal love and connection as you walk this journey together. My hope is those moments of grace bring you solace as you grieve and move in the days ahead... And Great Gorilla Garrett Underpants is having a great time swinging from tree to tree until he sees you again.
Sabrina
07/15/2018
I read about you today Garrett and I just wanted
to say that you are an awesome boy with a great spirit. Your family is amazing and my heart goes out to you and your family.
William from Seattle
07/15/2018
I just read Garretts story in a news article. Though I did not know Garrett I was deeply touched. You are amazing parents. Prayers for you and your family during this time. May your life and Garretts story always celebrate the love that was clearly present in his life and your family. Peace.
West Virginia
07/15/2018
A 65 year old brought to tears. Prayers to the family, you raised a great son who was more grown up than most adults. He must have been a wounderful son. RIP BIG MAN
Diane Powers
07/15/2018
Garret showed all of us the way to live and the way to leave this world. My condolences to Garret's family. You were blessed even if it was for a short time.
Jeffrey New York
07/15/2018
Reading your story, you sound like an amazing little dude. My hope for all of you is to find peace and know that his story will live on. You are some amazing parents. Sending all of our love.
Graham Hick
07/15/2018
Garrett is my hero. I am so sorry you have lost him. I can only wish I have the bravery and humor he had. Please take care of yourselves. All of my love to your family.
Besflores Nievera Jr.
07/15/2018
Wow. Godspeed!
To his parents: blessings and love on this great send off.
Caesar Marcel Banks II
07/15/2018
One could only hope to be as brave as Garrett. At five, your son has touch people around the world by living such a remarkable life. My condolences to the family and may his love be held as a lesson on enjoying every minute of every day. Thank you for sharing him with us!!
Rick Giannini
07/15/2018
Wow, I'm 45 and was reduced to tears reading this story. You must have been a remarkable little guy who was so brave while facing this disease. In 10 minutes, I wish that I knew you. I hope that you are at rest, no longer in pain and having fun like a 5 year old boy should be doing. I hope that your mom and dad are at peace, May those that you left behind, be able to find comfort and peace amongst one another until you all meet again.
Paul
07/15/2018
What a GREAT BRAVE LITTLE MAN.....sorry for your loss. This world needs more Garretts in it.
Herbie
07/15/2018
Next time I see your dad, I expect him to be covered in gorilla poo! RIP little man.