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
Sandra D.
07/13/2018
What a brave little angel! My heart breaks to know that innocent kids have to endure this stupid illness.
And he still smiled through it.
Sending my sincere condolences.
Kelly
07/13/2018
I have never commented on anything on the internet. What a special little boy, I am sure in your grief you are proud of him! I know that I am! I look forward to seeing that little boy of yours someday...
Pauline R
07/13/2018
God bless your family. I would have loved to have met this boy. He must have been one of those kids that you just have to be around, someone who can brighten your day with just a look. Although reading his story made me tear, it brought a laugh, giggle and a smile. Thank you for sharing his story and especially his obituary with the world. Prayers to you all. Thank you "The Great Garrett Underpants."
Linda from Texas
07/13/2018
May Our Lord and Savior comfort all of you. Garrett was an amazing little boy from the beautiful tribute. And celebrating his life with everyone is the testament to who he was and now he lives on and is in no more pain. May God Bless all of you.
Sonya - Gallup, NM
07/13/2018
Rest in peace little man. You are going to be an amazing angel.
Johnny - Virginia
07/13/2018
God Bless You, Little Guy!
Jody Olson
07/13/2018
May you find comfort in knowing how many people were in awe of your very brave sons ability to live with such a sense of humor and grace during this horrific disease. It just doesnt happen by itself. Kudos to his beautiful family. May you find peace in him no longer dealing with all he had been enduring. That has been my only mainstay in a very similar situation.
Xo
RYAN - COVINGTON, KY
07/13/2018
My sincerest condolences for such a devastating loss. I am very saddened to hear about Garrett's passing. I hope the love and support from family, friends and all those around the world who have heard Garrett's story bring you peace during this difficult time.
Donna P. Delaware
07/13/2018
I am so sorry for your loss. What an incredible young boy. The Great Garret Underpants obviously had a wonderful sense of humor even at such a young age. I hope that you will be able fulfill his wishes with the tree. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.
Bill, Leicester NC
07/13/2018
Incredibly touching article! I was brought to tears reading his honest-pure words & feelings. Thanks for sharing such a touching glimpse of your son Deepest sympathies and wishing you peace.
Sean Ausdemore
07/13/2018
I am so sorry for your lose! But such a inspiration! I pray that happiness and joy and love to you and the whole family! So brave and strong!
Major
07/13/2018
This little guy had to have been the bravest person alive! Although he only lived for five years, he lived! May God continue to bless his family - I know little dude is in Heaven.
Sarah
07/13/2018
What an amazing kid. Enjoy your new life as a gorilla, Garrett.
Whitney
07/13/2018
I'm sorry for your loss. What a bright and delightful guy! Love & light from MN.
Kimberly Cantwell
07/13/2018
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. No parent should have to lose a child so young to this horrible disease. I will be participating in a Cancer "Survivor" walk tomorrow as I just battled breast cancer myself. I will light a Luminary at the ceremony tomorrow night in honor of your precious son Garrett. May his spirit always live in your hearts. Much love to you and your family.