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
John Rutherford (Liverpool England)
07/16/2018
Just read about your Son on the BBC News website. What a beautiful courageous boy your Great Garret Underpants was. May he Rest In Peace, I'm so sorry for your loss and hope that all these messages of condolence help heal your broken hearts.
Gavin
07/16/2018
Thanks for teaching me a lesson or three about life Pal, smell ya later Great Garret
Travis
07/16/2018
He's inspired me to stop being down on myself and appreciate the things I have.
Ewan Cameron
07/16/2018
My heart goes out to you and your family. The Great Garret Underpants was very clearing an amazing little man, and those of us never lucky enough to have met him have missed out with his parting.
My sincerest condolences.
All Hail the Great Garret. Rock on, little dude.
Ewan C, Scotland.
SK
07/16/2018
How brave and full of life! To gareth: I hope you are happy wherever you are. To his parents: I hope you find peace. May God give you and your daughter the courage to rebuild your lives.
Ed Beresford
07/16/2018
Such a little big guy! I am from the UK (not that thats important!) but just wanted you to know. I am sorry for your loss. What a great little guy Garrett is. He is in my heart and in my mind. Go get em Mr Underpants! See ya suckas....simply inspiring! Thanks for sharing. Love to you all.
David Jones
07/16/2018
I am in the UK and have a 5 year old grandson (and a 3 year old one) and can only say what an amazing person Garrett was and what a great idea by his parents. Love and respect to his parents and sister. Watch out for the gorilla !
Ian Roylance
07/16/2018
Just read about and been inspired by the Great Garrett Underpants.
Wed love to have met you little fella and hope youve found peace and love wherever you are.
Lots of Love from the Roylances of Southport, Merseyside
Rob M
07/16/2018
Love you, buddy, strangers now but not for long, forever in my heart
Joe from UK
07/16/2018
I have 2 children similar ages to yours. Reading about Garret made me think about him and how brave he was, his sister and how brave she is no doubt being now..and your loss. They are both incredible. I felt compelled to hold my kids after reading this. I am so sorry for you all.
Very sad and humbling.
Love from the UK to all.
Fernando Bonacalza- Argentina
07/16/2018
God bless you, little warrior... See U later aligator...!!! My condolences to the family...
Kristian
07/16/2018
My condolences to the family. After reading an article about him and coming here, I felt compelled to leave a message. His attitude throughout his life shows how much you and everyone else loved him. It makes me think that he loved gorillas so much because he saw a strength in them that only they seemed to have. Yet, the fact that he fought so hard and so bravely proves that he was stronger than any gorilla. The love he knew and experienced gave him that strength. Prayers and much love from your northern neighbours in Canada. Godspeed little man. o7
Wendy Rossman
07/16/2018
What an amazing child and incredible message. I will hold this story forever. Garrett is an inspiration for all of us. He will live on in these words. So sorry he left us so soon. May the angels hold him until you meet again.
Luke
07/16/2018
God bless you sweetpea, you rock!!
Susan Forrest
07/16/2018
Wow, what a guy
What a hero
What an awesome family
I wish love could bring him back -but your love means his memories will never go away
I am honoured to have read about Garrett, the world is better to have known him
Lots of love to you xxx