In Memory of Matthew Erwin (1974-2002)

My precious son Matthew died in my arms in 2002, only ten months after he was diagnosed with an aggressive Stage IV Melanoma. Previously healthy from birth, he developed flu-like symptoms before suffering a focal seizure. We rushed him to hospital emergency whereupon doctors discovered three brain masses, seemingly out of the blue, leaving us stunned. Immediate surgery revealed Melanoma. A primary lesion was never uncovered and only one mole on his neck found to have superficial Melanoma cells. Matthew loved life and was pursuing his dream of becoming a university professor. He was a wonderful son, brilliant, kind and wise beyond his years. His death came only a short time after the loss of his father and my husband of thirty years, so needless to say we were all devastated. Not a day goes by where we do not appreciate the gift of Matthew’s life and remember him with love.