Matt and his parents, Ann and Jerry Driscoll, were stunned by the diagnosis. Despite the heavy burden of illness he carries, Matt remains determined to get his life back.
However, the material losses of handling it were very exorbitant. Because of the aggressiveness of his cancer and the harsh chemotherapy he was exposed to, Matt went from a 140-pound athlete to just 86 pounds of skin and bones.
The chemotherapy made Matt so sick and susceptible to external infections that he nearly died of a fungal infection in his lungs.
Despite all the forces arrayed against him, Matt never stopped being optimistic. Amid his treatment, the youngster gave an inspiring speech to his soccer team, encouraging them to seize every opportunity that comes their way because you never know which shot might be the last.
Walking down that hallway again, Matt tore up the makeshift finish line where his family, friends, and hospital staff threw scraps of paper. With tears in his eyes, Matt rang the bell and told the world that he had beaten cancer and that his long ordeal was finally over. Speaking to Good Morning America, Matt said that ringing the bell was overwhelming for him and arguably the best time of his life.
Akron Children’s Hospital told Good Morning America Matt that it has a bright future ahead and thanked their doctors and nurses for all the work they did to help the young man. The hospital also commended Matt’s family and friends for their support throughout his treatment.
Matt is currently enrolled as a freshman at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, majoring in Business Administration.
Giving Good Morning America his words of wisdom to those inspired by his story, Matt says to remember that 10% of everything happens to you and 90% is your reaction.
In the end, Matt’s story highlights the power of positivity and modern medicine. When cancer tried to eradicate it, Matt never gave up and was supported by an amazing team of doctors and nurses using the latest medical technology.
