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
Michelle - British Columbia, Canada
07/13/2018
What a beautiful, brave, funny child. So incredibly heartbreaking to read of your loss. I think this is one that will stay with me forever. Please post your story when you complete your son's mission of his tree home.
Laura P
07/13/2018
Garrett
I know your in heaven with Jesus and your wearing a beautiful Gorilla suit and sitting in a beautiful tree. Everyone loves you Garrett. Even me. See you in heaven kiddo
Sharonda - North Carolina
07/13/2018
I am sorry for the loss of your son Garrett. He sounds like an amazing kid and he has touched so many with his story. I smiled at his love of Marvel heroes and his wishes for a true celebration of his life with bounce castles and fireworks. Heaven truly gained a special, brave, funny and a very wise beyond his years angel. Thank you for sharing The Great Garrett Underpants story with the world.
S. Jones-Houston Texas
07/13/2018
What a beautiful soul...Please prank my mom while your casting your jokes..she loved to joke.
Reply to this: A private burial of Garretts 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"
buy a tree in a pot, add his ashes to the soil....let it grow a year...go to the closest national forest, hike in a bit. dig a hole and plant that tree...
Christina - East Norriton, PA
07/13/2018
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your dear Garrett. His 5 short years and amazing, courageous spirit have taught all of us all across the country incredible life lessons. You've raised an amazing little boy with the strength and wit I could only dream of. Your loss is Heaven's gain for sure, and God had a special place and job for Garrett that just couldn't wait. Your little angel will always be with you to watch over you and protect you. Special prayers for you in the days and months to come.
Michele M Miller
07/13/2018
In memory of Garrett Matthias, in celebration of the beautiful soul he is and always will be to all who loved him. I wish I could have met him, but he is all children; the best, most extraordinary part that is in all of us. Thank you Garrett for reminding me of who we really are. You made a difference.
David Frankel
07/13/2018
Thank you Garrett for restoring my love of humankind. Thanks also to Hamilton for their service to Garrett's family. You also helped me and my family in 2005 after our 2 year old daughter & sister Mika died.
Linda-Derwood, MD
07/13/2018
An angel. Enjoy your tree, sweet boy, and I'm sure your blue bunny is always nearby. My prayers and thoughts are with you all, Matthias family. With sadness, Linda (aka Ben & Celia's mom)
Paula DeMeyere
07/13/2018
Thank you for sharing Garrett with the world, his story is both sad but truly funny. I am absolutely blown away at his personality, WOW he truly speaks from his heart and through his words!
May you find comfort in laughter during this difficult journey that you are facing. Heaven has gained one hilarious little angel and you have gained an amazing guardian angel. I bet he is playing his pranks on all up above in heaven!
God bless you and all that have lost this precious little one.
SKW
07/13/2018
Bless his little heart. So many adults could learn a lesson from this brave boy. Rest in peace, Garrett Underpants!
Alyssa Stassi
07/13/2018
I'm so very sorry for your loss, here is a link to make his wish come true.
Www.thelivingurn.com
Amanda-Columbus, Ohio
07/13/2018
What a wonderful tribute to your son. You are all brave warriors! I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Jonathan Mayer
07/13/2018
So incredibly sorry to read of this. As an adult cancer patient and survivor,so far, I feel so angry that these diseases exist and affect people so young.
One suggestion-perhaps have the ashes placed in a root ball of a tree so when it is planted they will be absorbed by the root and become part of the tree through growth.
May your good memories outshine your dad ones. Condolences to all of your family on Garrett's passing.
Ron - Canada
07/13/2018
What a great sounding boy. His memories will be such a great lot for the parents to carry. Positive, kind, goofy, just an enjoyable boy. God Bless him and keep him.
Vicki Arthur
07/13/2018
Your story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Thank you for sharing Garretts journey. You have handled it with grace, dignity, and a sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in the coming days, as well as my donations to cancer research.