Soddy-Daisy boy gets Make-a-Wish gift

Matthew Taylor, a 9-year-old Soddy-Daisy boy, received a Make-A-Wish gift today after suffering for nearly two years with brain cancer.

Taylor received a 50-inch, high-definition television, an Xbox gaming system, two specialized gaming chairs with surround sound, video games and other toys.

Originally, Matthew had a grim medical prognosis. His doctors believed his brain tumor, medullablastoma, was the type that sends cancer "seeds" all over the body when disturbed, said Matthew's father, Tommy Taylor.

But doctors at the Children's Hospital at Erlanger found that the tumor wasn't as severe. Now, two years after the original diagnosis, Matthew is cancer-free and his parents are hoping this Make-a-Wish Foundation gift signals a new start for their son.

"This is a celebration for a new lease on life for Matthew," said Tommy Taylor, who is pastor at Falling Water Baptist Church. "He's getting to start back on his life."

The Chattanooga Times Free Press sponsored Matthew's gift.

For complete details, see tomorrow's Chattanooga Times Free Press.

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