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Matthew Walker, son of Jonathan and Cynthia Walker of Heathrow, Florida, will celebrate his 21st birthday this September. He is one of three children, alongside his sister Morgan (23) and brother Adam (18). On behalf of the Walker family, we hope that you, your family, loved ones, and friends are all doing well.

​Matthew is one of approximately 40 known males in the world born with a rare neuronal migration disorder of the brain called Subcortical Band Heterotopia. This condition causes the white and gray matter of the brain to be disorganized, making communication pathways within the brain significantly impaired and resulting in profound physical and cognitive challenges.  In recent years, Matthew was also diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy that causes life-threatening seizures. Matthew is unable to walk or speak and relies on his family and medical professionals for all activities of daily living. His nutrition, ketogenic diet, and medications are administered continuously through a feeding tube to help manage his health and control multiple types of seizures.  Despite these extraordinary challenges, Matthew continues to overcome obstacles with remarkable strength and determination. The corpus callosotomy brain surgery he underwent six years ago continues to provide successful results in reducing the severity of his seizures.

More recently, Matthew experienced increasing behavioral challenges and seizure-related concerns. In an effort to improve his sleep, his physicians prescribed an additional medication. While it successfully helped him sleep through the night, he continued to experience irritability and behaviors that at times appeared seizure related. Following a recommendation from his neurologist, Matthew was evaluated by a psychiatrist, who prescribed another medication to help manage these behavioral outbursts. Since beginning this treatment, Matthew has shown significant improvement.  As Matthew approaches his 21st birthday, it is likely that the physical and emotional changes associated with adulthood, combined with the daily frustrations of living with significant communication and mobility limitations, have contributed to many of these recent challenges. It is with great hope that this new treatment approach will bring Matthew comfort, stability, and an improved quality of life.  Matthew has also made steady progress in transitioning from pediatric to adult medical care. A team of physicians and specialists collaborate to provide comprehensive care and support he will need into adulthood.

Over the past several years, Matthew has continued to grow into an amazing young man. This fall, he will begin his senior year as a twelfth-grade student at Seminole High School through Seminole County Public Schools' Exceptional Student Support Services. Hospital Homebound Services will continue providing instruction through home visits twice each week, supplemented by virtual learning sessions with his teacher. Ongoing evaluations of assistive communication technology continue, including a simplified Tobii Dynavox eye-gaze communication system that may better meet Matthew's needs. Matthew will continue his high school education through the 2026–2027 school year and is expected to receive a Certificate of Completion.

The Annual Miracle for Matthew Golf Tournament was established to help provide financial assistance for the specialized care, medical treatment, adaptive equipment, and home modifications that Matthew's lifelong disabilities require. This year's tournament will once again follow a format similar to recent years. A boxed lunch will be provided for all golfers, while raffle prizes and silent auction activities will take place before and throughout the tournament. Matthew's special day will conclude with a brief awards presentation as we congratulate the winning foursome of the Miracle for Matthew 17th Golf Tournament Fundraiser.

 

17th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser

for Matthew

Sunday, October 18, 2026 - Alaqua Country Club, Longwood, Florida

Matthew's Story

Last year's golf tournament fundraiser was an incredible success.  Matthew and the Walker family wish a heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors, volunteers, golfers, donors, and everyone who participated.  Your kindness, generosity, and unwavering support continues to make a meaningful difference in Matthew's life and his courageous and enduring spirit.  They are forever grateful.

​​​Raymond James & Associates, Arnold Palmer Invitational by MasterCard, Fast Signs Sanford FL, Lake Mary Pediatric Dentistry, Russie Weidl - Watson Realty, Mom's Club of Heathrow, Trademark Press Solutions, Pierce Jewelers, R.A.R.E Project, Timacuan Golf Club, Erica Karlinsky PhD, Heathrow Country Club, Steve Strassman Insurance/Allstate, Debby Taboh Photography, Park Jewelers, Heathrow Country Club, Orlando Magic, AmStar Cinemas, Vineyard Wine Company,  Jackson Family Fine Wines, Friendly Confines Restaurant, Papa Joe's Pizza, Duffy's Sports Grill, Giovanni's Italian Restaurant, Miguel & Brittany de Arcos, Dr. Robert Hoover / Foot & Ankle Associates of Florida, sophie & trey, Digital Check Corp, Florida Pediatric Associates / Eye Physicians of Central Florida, H&F Construction, Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes, Seminole Harley-Davidson, Wiewiora & Dunn Orthodontics, Shula's 347 Grill, Spice World, Residence Inn by Marriott Lake Mary, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Tomasino's Pizzeria, Center for Health, Learning & Achievement, Transitions Physical Therapy, Pristine Nails & Spa, Kennedy's All-American Barber, Nothing bundt Cakes, Collaborative Wealth, Orlando Solar Bears, Marshall Insurance Group, Homebridge Financial, Advanced Dermatology of Heathrow, Austin & Samantha Buddendorff, Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Company, Crews Ink, Sanford Carpet & Flooring, RH Plumbing, Timacuan Champion Group, Bill & Mary Beth Ketelhut, Charlie Brinkley & Dawn Ellis, Integrated Independent Physicians Network, Timacuan Golf Club - Jr. Golf Camp, MARBLELIFE of Central Florida, Grafton Street Pub, Johnston & Murphy Apparel and Shoes, Ruth's Chris Steak House - Lake Mary, Planet Smoothie - Heathrow, Insurance Office of America - Charlie Boornazian, Gatorlillys Boutique - Heathrow, Peach Valley Cafe - Heathrow, Mister 01 Pizza - Heathrow, Stonewood Grill & Tavern - Heathrow, 4th Street Bar & Grill, Winter Park Pines Golf Course, Davis Group CPA's, Healthcare Now Podcast - Dr. Mark Chaet, vision by Hotwire Communications, Hangry Bison Restaurant, Twin Rivers Golf Club, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Boca Restaurant, 

Shula's 347 Grill.

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For more details on Matthew's Golf Tournament Fundraiser please click on the Golf Tournament Registration Form button.  

Matthew Sloan Walker Golf Tournament Fundraiser

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For more information please contact:

Jonathan Walker

407-970-1975

jwalker1445@cfl.rr.com