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Only on ABC 6: North Providence Family Needs Public's Help for Son's Surgery

John Eagan

Story Created: Jun 19, 2008 at 11:17 AM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 4, 2008 at 1:24 PM EDT

Nancy and Russell Irving are pleading to the public to help their son.
    
Their 21-year-old son Matthew has been paralyzed with pain since a routine surgery 5 years ago went horribly wrong.  He was later diagnosed with the worst chronic pain disorder imaginable.
 
Now the boy who excelled in school, earned his black belt in tae-kwon-do, and earned countless awards from the state, is confined to a life of silent suffering.
    
Until now...
    
There is a radical treatment in Germany that would put Matthew in a coma for 5 days.  And during that time, he would receive medication that would essentially re-wire his brain.  About a third of those treated become pain free for years.
    
But it isn't cheap, so it leaves Matthew's family praying for the generosity of others..
  
ABC 6 anchor Paul Mueller has this heart-wrenching story...

For donations, visit the 'Set Matt free from RSD' website 

Thursday, Jul 2 at 5:50 PM Dori wrote ...

Dori, I too live in RI. I also have RSDS and have endured severe daily pain. I hope you get the right treatment and hope it puts your RSDS in remission or minimizes your pain. Thank you for speaking out about rsd. keep you chin up and keep charging forward.

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Tuesday, Dec 16 at 10:51 AM Suzy Collyer wrote ...

RSD patients contact Dr Dhodes in corpus christi costal ben cronic pain center he has helped my best friend and given her her life back (361) 992-9432

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Saturday, Aug 2 at 3:20 PM Vicki Murphy wrote ...

Vicki Murphy Poughquag,NY I know this disorder it is relentless. I am sure you have tried everything in the past 5 years but I speak from experience,I have RSD and I feel you and your sons pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Saturday, Jun 21 at 7:33 PM Patricia King, Cranston, RI wrote ...

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The North Providence community really came through for Matthew Irving today at the car wash. We had everyone-- fire fighters, rescue drivers, school committee members, teachers, counselors, senior citizens, students and families, all showing up to support Matthew's battle with RSD. I was extremely proud of the student volunteers who worked tirelessly and was moved by the generosity of those who stopped by to support Matthew.

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Friday, Jun 20 at 11:18 PM Matt's Dad wrote ...

On behalf of Matt, his Mom (Nancy), and his brother (Dan), I want to thank all of you who are helping Matt to regain his life and to stop this dreaded monster of RSD. Any and all ideas that you have to raise funds, contact us at: russ@setmattfreeofrsd.com AND please send Matt's website to all in your address books, Facebook or MySpace accounts. The site is: www.SetMattFreeOfRSD.com Bless you, all!

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Friday, Jun 20 at 12:30 PM Jo-Anne Monjeau Dettmann, Chicago, IL wrote ...

God bless you, Rhode Islanders, for coming together for Matthew! We are pulling for him here in the Midwest.

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Friday, Jun 20 at 8:56 AM Patricia King, Cranston, RI wrote ...

Join us this Saturday, 6/21, 10-2, in the North Providence High School parking lot for a car wash to raise money for Matthew Irving. The car wash is sponsored by CAPS and the Social Club at NPHS. Stop by and show your support. Every dollar helps!

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Thursday, Jun 19 at 9:36 PM Kathleen Lisi, Lincoln, RI wrote ...

Cheryl, that is a great idea. If you can please contact the website and provide further details as to how to organize this fundraiser, I would be very interested in organizing this run.

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Thursday, Jun 19 at 1:15 PM Cheryl Saccoccio wrote ...

Cheryl Saccoccio, Burrillville, RI I was so saddened by Matt's story. I was thinking of a way to raise money for him. I am a motorcycle rider. Have you thought about having a "run" for Matt to raise money. We go to these runs all the time. It's worth looking into. Best of Luck.

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