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
Bobby B. Victorville, Ca
07/13/2018
Peace on your journey little man. To the Family ..condolences and stay strong...sounds like an amazing little guy..so sorry for your loss...my heart goes out to you..
Francis
07/13/2018
I am so sorry for your loss I hope you will find a way to create the tree as per his wishes he seemed to be a great kid and I am sure he will fulfill his wishes and I will pray for him and your family. I wish I had more money to help you and to help find a cure. God bless you all.
René S, Monterrey MEXICO
07/13/2018
Garrett's story moved me to tears. He seemed so brave, happy, and wise beyond his age. It's great that you are celebrating his life. My heart goes out to you.
Alyssia
07/13/2018
I am so sorry for the loss of this beautiful soul. I am all the way in Langton, Ontario, Canada, and was very moved by this little boy. What a treasure, and what a blessing it was for him, and is for his sister to have you as parents. You are doing a wonderful job celebrating such a magical spirit. The world will be inspired by the passion he had...and life without pants!!! What a cutie haha! God Bless.
Cynthia Prevereau
07/13/2018
first of all, I'd like to share you my empathy. i don't know any of you but i am in tears.
I also would like to tell you what is possible to do in Quebec (Canada). There is some companies as Bio Urnes who are selling the box for the ashes who are specially conceived to grow a tree with it. There is some places, like in the city of Granby, where the Life-trees are protected as the same as a cimetery.
I am pretty sure that some companies exist in the states or maybe it will be possible to have them delivered in your country. You city should be able to help you in developping a part of the cimetery specially for the life-trees.
Sorry for my bad english, but I would like to help you to achieved his last wishes.
All my best thoughs are with you...
Sarah Kaiser
07/13/2018
Where to even begin? You have had one amazing little guy! To be that strong and to show such character is so amazing. I had tears in my eyes but laughing at his obituary. That is what life is about! He has shown the world he was never afraid and he had the charisma of someone that had a care free spirit. May he follow through his journey throwing "poo". You as his parents have raised an incredible little man! May he continue his journey with that free spirited mind! My thoughts and prayers to you, family, and friends as you Celebrate his Life.
Diane Ruddy, Scranton Pa
07/13/2018
My deepest condolences on the loss of your amazing super hero son. He was such a trooper at such a young age. May he spread his wings and fly high and keep a watchful eye of each one of you. His obit was very touching and I hope that my grandkids can have such a fun sense of humor as your little boy. God bless you all in this time of need.
Geneviève Ouellet
07/13/2018
You are brave!
You are amazing!
You are a hero!
Good trip little man! xox
Shannon Hampton
07/13/2018
What a legend at such a young age. I am honored to have heard of such a bright young man. I will make an effort to think of this spirited angel when I fail as an adult to see the good things God made.
Shannon Hampton
Jannice Genaux, TX
07/13/2018
My deepest condolences on the loss of your amazing child. At first, I didn't know what to think, about Garrett writing his own obituary. But the more I read, the more I came to see what a truly amazing, loving and brave little man you had. Garrett, wherever you are - This is your time to shine. So play your Thrash Metal, grab that blue bunny and rock those underpants. The Universe is calling for another Hero, so it's time to go.
Diana Cook
07/13/2018
Little Warrior Garrett Underpants
you are such a brave and amazing hero...This little man touched so many lives in his 5 years...a true warrior...now you are one of God's Angel's...and
Mommy & Daddy's Guardian Angel...I am so very sorry for your loss...
Cheryl Rothenberg
07/13/2018
I just read a story on CNN about your wonderful brave son Garrett.What a character!!! God must have needed someone very special above to be an angel. May his memory be a blessing to you and everyone Garrett touched. XOXO
Vanessa, Cleveland, Oh
07/13/2018
I have not been able to stop thinking about this amazing little boy since I came across his story few days ago. The Great Garrett Underpants, what a truly amazing and special little superhero. He has reached so many people in places far, far away. His strength, zest for life and ability to have such an positive attitude thru such a horrible thing is amazing! God bless this beautiful boy and condolences to all of his family. I will be thinking about him tomorrow as you celebrate his life. God speed.
Doug in SC
07/13/2018
Well Fought Little Warrior Garrett Underpants. I hate "dirty stinking cancer" too. To the family there are no words for your loss, but what a glorious 5 years you had.!
Christine Blanco
07/13/2018
My most sincerest condolences to your family. Your son sounds like he was an amazing super hero who fought his battle bravely. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
-A childhood cancer survivor and his mother.