Local pediatric cancer patient Matthew Christian McDonnell to host Matthew’s Miraculous Ice Cream Stand at Hillside Park

S. ABINGTON TWP. — In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and building on his momentum from his hot cocoa stand last December, Matthew Christian McDonnell will host an ice cream social from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at Hillside Park, 1188 Winola Road, to continue his efforts to fund a cure for childhood cancer.

Matthew has been battling stage IV Wilm’s tumor (kidney cancer) since he was 3 years old. He has undergone numerous surgeries, months of chemotherapy and radiation and countless other medical procedures.

This year alone, he endured two high0-risk major surgeries and extensive chemotherapy and was hospitalized for more than a month.

Matthew has exhausted all standard treatment options and is currently enrolled in an experimental clinical trial in Washington, D.C.

Six-year-old Matthew McDonnell poses with his parents Patrick and Linda McDonnell at his hot cocoa stand in December 2016. The South Abington Elementary student will host his next fundraiser for pediatric cancer research, Matthew’s Miraculous Ice Cream Stand from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at Hillside Park, 1188 Winola Road, Clarks Summit.

http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_ABJ-Matthew.jpg.optimal.jpgSix-year-old Matthew McDonnell poses with his parents Patrick and Linda McDonnell at his hot cocoa stand in December 2016. The South Abington Elementary student will host his next fundraiser for pediatric cancer research, Matthew’s Miraculous Ice Cream Stand from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at Hillside Park, 1188 Winola Road, Clarks Summit. Ben Freda file photo | Abington Journal