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Matthew Erickson, 10, is swarmed by his sister Sophia's softball team, the Red Raiders, at Deicke Park on Feb. 5, 2022 in Huntley. His charismatic personality is something that has been with him since birth, often making him the center of attention.
Matthew Erickson, 10, is swarmed by his sister Sophia’s softball team, the Red Raiders, at Deicke Park on Feb. 5, 2022 in Huntley. His charismatic personality is something that has been with him since birth, often making him the center of attention.
Matthew Erickson, 10, waits with his parents, Sue and Ben Erickson, before his annual MRI to check for brain cancer at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago on Feb. 4, 2022, in Chicago. The scan showed no signs of cancer.
Matthew Erickson, 10, waits with his parents, Sue and Ben Erickson, before his annual MRI to check for brain cancer at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago on Feb. 4, 2022, in Chicago. The scan showed no signs of cancer.
Matthew Erickson, 10, left, heads back to his homeroom with other 4th graders at Martin Elementary School on Feb. 8, 2022, in Lake in the Hills.
Matthew Erickson, 10, left, heads back to his homeroom with other 4th graders at Martin Elementary School on Feb. 8, 2022, in Lake in the Hills.
Sue and Ben Erickson say goodbye to their 10-year-old son, Matthew Erickson, before he's taken back for his annual MRI to check for brain cancer at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago on Feb. 4, 2022.
Sue and Ben Erickson say goodbye to their 10-year-old son, Matthew Erickson, before he’s taken back for his annual MRI to check for brain cancer at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago on Feb. 4, 2022.
Matthew Erickson, 10, jumps down off the mat with some help from occupational therapist Kristin Smith at Martin Elementary School on Feb. 8, 2022, in Lake in the Hills. After being born with brain cancer and surviving more than a dozen brain surgeries, Matthew struggles with strength and mobility.
Matthew Erickson, 10, jumps down off the mat with some help from occupational therapist Kristin Smith at Martin Elementary School on Feb. 8, 2022, in Lake in the Hills. After being born with brain cancer and surviving more than a dozen brain surgeries, Matthew struggles with strength and mobility.
Matthew Erickson, 10, left, bumps elbows with his friend Lavelle Davis during 4th grade STEM class at Martin Elementary School on Feb. 8, 2022, in Lake in the Hills.
Matthew Erickson, 10, left, bumps elbows with his friend Lavelle Davis during 4th grade STEM class at Martin Elementary School on Feb. 8, 2022, in Lake in the Hills.
Matthew Erickson works with occupational therapist Kristin Smith at Martin Elementary School. Matthew struggles with strength and dexterity on his left side.
Matthew Erickson works with occupational therapist Kristin Smith at Martin Elementary School. Matthew struggles with strength and dexterity on his left side.
Matthew Erickson, left, swoops in for a photo with his sister Sophia's softball team, the Red Raiders, at Deicke Park on Feb. 5, 2022, in Huntley.
Matthew Erickson, left, swoops in for a photo with his sister Sophia’s softball team, the Red Raiders, at Deicke Park on Feb. 5, 2022, in Huntley.
Sue Erickson, top right, holds Matthew's arm down as nurses put in an IV before he receives his annual MRI to check for brain cancer at Lurie Children's Hospital, Feb. 4, 2022.
Sue Erickson, top right, holds Matthew’s arm down as nurses put in an IV before he receives his annual MRI to check for brain cancer at Lurie Children’s Hospital, Feb. 4, 2022.
Matthew Erickson works with teacher Ben Riebock during a STEM class at Martin Elementary School on Feb. 8, 2022, in Lake in the Hills. The scar on the back of his head is a result of more than a dozen brain surgeries.
Matthew Erickson works with teacher Ben Riebock during a STEM class at Martin Elementary School on Feb. 8, 2022, in Lake in the Hills. The scar on the back of his head is a result of more than a dozen brain surgeries.
Matthew Erickson, second from left, works with other 4th graders and teachers aid Angela Imelda, during STEM class at Martin Elementary School on Feb. 8, 2022.
Matthew Erickson, second from left, works with other 4th graders and teachers aid Angela Imelda, during STEM class at Martin Elementary School on Feb. 8, 2022.
Matthew Erickson, 5, laughs as he listens to a humorous song about two crows during his first day of kindergarten at Chesak Elementary School on Aug. 28, 2017 in Lake in the Hills.
Matthew Erickson, 5, laughs as he listens to a humorous song about two crows during his first day of kindergarten at Chesak Elementary School on Aug. 28, 2017 in Lake in the Hills.
Matthew Erickson, 5, gets ready to jump off the bus as he arrives for his first day of kindergaten at Chesak Elementary School on Aug. 28, 2017 in Lake in the Hills in Huntley.
Matthew Erickson, 5, gets ready to jump off the bus as he arrives for his first day of kindergaten at Chesak Elementary School on Aug. 28, 2017 in Lake in the Hills in Huntley.
Sue Erickson and her son, Matthew, walk to the bus as he sets off for his first day of kindergarten on Aug. 28, 2017 in Huntley.
Sue Erickson and her son, Matthew, walk to the bus as he sets off for his first day of kindergarten on Aug. 28, 2017 in Huntley.
Matthew Erickson, 5, hugs his sister, Sophia, 7, before he sets off for his first day of kindergarten on Aug. 28, 2017 in Huntley.
Matthew Erickson, 5, hugs his sister, Sophia, 7, before he sets off for his first day of kindergarten on Aug. 28, 2017 in Huntley.
Matthew Erickson hugs his grandmother, Louise Turner, as he heads to his first day of kindergarten on Aug. 28, 2017 in Huntley.
Matthew Erickson hugs his grandmother, Louise Turner, as he heads to his first day of kindergarten on Aug. 28, 2017 in Huntley.
Matthew Erickson interacts with his kindergarten teacher, Bonnie Smith, while his dad, Ben Erickson, stands behind him during a kindergarten walk-through at Chesak Elementary School in Lake in the Hills on Aug. 21, 2017.
Matthew Erickson interacts with his kindergarten teacher, Bonnie Smith, while his dad, Ben Erickson, stands behind him during a kindergarten walk-through at Chesak Elementary School in Lake in the Hills on Aug. 21, 2017.
Matthew Erickson squeals with delight after finding his cubby at Chesak Elementary School in Lake in the Hills on Aug. 21, 2017.
Matthew Erickson squeals with delight after finding his cubby at Chesak Elementary School in Lake in the Hills on Aug. 21, 2017.
Matthew Erickson, 3, walks a hallway with therapist Kathy Murphy, left, and teacher's aide Nicole Simons on Nov. 18, 2015, during preschool at Chesak Elementary School in Lake in the Hills. He was born with a rare, often fatal brain tumor.
Matthew Erickson, 3, walks a hallway with therapist Kathy Murphy, left, and teacher’s aide Nicole Simons on Nov. 18, 2015, during preschool at Chesak Elementary School in Lake in the Hills. He was born with a rare, often fatal brain tumor.
Matthew Erickson, 3, center, plays with friends during preschool Nov. 18, 2015, at Chesak Elementary School in Lake in the Hills. By the time he turned 2, Matthew had endured six brain surgeries, five rounds of chemotherapy and thousands of blood draws.
Matthew Erickson, 3, center, plays with friends during preschool Nov. 18, 2015, at Chesak Elementary School in Lake in the Hills. By the time he turned 2, Matthew had endured six brain surgeries, five rounds of chemotherapy and thousands of blood draws.
Matthew Erickson uses a swing to grab objects with therapist Kathy Murphy, right, and teacher's aide Nicole Simons during preschool Nov. 18, 2015, in Lake in the Hills. Matthew is celebrated as a survivor after reaching a pivotal mark in August — having gone three years without chemotherapy.
Matthew Erickson uses a swing to grab objects with therapist Kathy Murphy, right, and teacher’s aide Nicole Simons during preschool Nov. 18, 2015, in Lake in the Hills. Matthew is celebrated as a survivor after reaching a pivotal mark in August — having gone three years without chemotherapy.
Matthew Erickson gets off the bus to attend preschool Nov. 18, 2015, at Chesak Elementary School in Lake in the Hills.
Matthew Erickson gets off the bus to attend preschool Nov. 18, 2015, at Chesak Elementary School in Lake in the Hills.
Matthew Erickson snuggles with his mom, Sue, on Nov. 15, 2015, at their home in Huntley.
Matthew Erickson snuggles with his mom, Sue, on Nov. 15, 2015, at their home in Huntley.
Matthew Erickson reads books with his sister, Sophia, 5, and his mom, Sue, at their home in Huntley on Nov. 15, 2015.
Matthew Erickson reads books with his sister, Sophia, 5, and his mom, Sue, at their home in Huntley on Nov. 15, 2015.
Matthew Erickson plays between his parents, Ben and Sue, at the family's home in Huntley on Nov. 15, 2015.
Matthew Erickson plays between his parents, Ben and Sue, at the family’s home in Huntley on Nov. 15, 2015.
Sue Erickson high-fives her nearly 2-year-old son, Matthew Erickson, as he's prepped for an MRI brain scan on Dec. 4, 2013, at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.
Sue Erickson high-fives her nearly 2-year-old son, Matthew Erickson, as he’s prepped for an MRI brain scan on Dec. 4, 2013, at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
An ever-cheerful Matthew Erickson crawls around in his diaper before his MRI brain scan Dec. 4, 2013, at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.
An ever-cheerful Matthew Erickson crawls around in his diaper before his MRI brain scan Dec. 4, 2013, at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
Registered Nurses Josephina Marella, left, and Amanda Macke work and joke with 2-year-old Matthew Erickson before an MRI brain scan Dec. 4, 2013, at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.
Registered Nurses Josephina Marella, left, and Amanda Macke work and joke with 2-year-old Matthew Erickson before an MRI brain scan Dec. 4, 2013, at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
Dr. Rishi Lulla, a pediatric cancer doctor at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, poses with Matthew Erickson, while Matthew's grandmother, Louise Turner, and his mother, Sue Erickson, take their picture Dec. 4, 2013, at Lurie's.
Dr. Rishi Lulla, a pediatric cancer doctor at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, poses with Matthew Erickson, while Matthew’s grandmother, Louise Turner, and his mother, Sue Erickson, take their picture Dec. 4, 2013, at Lurie’s.
Sue Erickson helps her 1-year-old son, Matthew, walk to his doctor after a brain scan Dec. 4, 2013, at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.
Sue Erickson helps her 1-year-old son, Matthew, walk to his doctor after a brain scan Dec. 4, 2013, at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
Nolan Erickson, 6, swings a balloon around at his brother Matthew Erickson's 2nd birthday party Dec. 7, 2013, at Elgin Community College.
Nolan Erickson, 6, swings a balloon around at his brother Matthew Erickson’s 2nd birthday party Dec. 7, 2013, at Elgin Community College.
Matthew Erickson and his dad, Ben, goof around while waiting for his next doctor's appointment Aug. 16, 2012, at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. Matthew had an MRI that day to help assess where to go next with his treatment for brain cancer.
Matthew Erickson and his dad, Ben, goof around while waiting for his next doctor’s appointment Aug. 16, 2012, at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Matthew had an MRI that day to help assess where to go next with his treatment for brain cancer.
Ben and Sue Erickson check in on their 8-month-old son, Matthew, on Aug. 16, 2012, after an MRI at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.
Ben and Sue Erickson check in on their 8-month-old son, Matthew, on Aug. 16, 2012, after an MRI at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
Matthew reacts to a playful hospital volunteer Aug. 16, 2012, at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.
Matthew reacts to a playful hospital volunteer Aug. 16, 2012, at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
Matthew uses his grandmother Louise Turner's chin as a teething toy as they wait for an MRI on Aug. 16, 2012, at Lurie Children's Hospital.
Matthew uses his grandmother Louise Turner’s chin as a teething toy as they wait for an MRI on Aug. 16, 2012, at Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Matthew Erickson, 5 months, lies on a blanket in his front yard on a beautiful spring day May 13, 2012.
Matthew Erickson, 5 months, lies on a blanket in his front yard on a beautiful spring day May 13, 2012.
Sophia Erickson, age 1, gives her little brother Matthew a gentle poke in the ear while they lie on a blanket in their front yard May 13, 2012.
Sophia Erickson, age 1, gives her little brother Matthew a gentle poke in the ear while they lie on a blanket in their front yard May 13, 2012.
Matthew Erickson, 2 months, lies in an operating room as a team of nurses and doctors prepares him for another brain surgery Feb. 28, 2012.
Matthew Erickson, 2 months, lies in an operating room as a team of nurses and doctors prepares him for another brain surgery Feb. 28, 2012.
Sue Erickson holds son Matthew Erickson's hand Feb. 15, 2012, at Children's Memorial Hospital.
Sue Erickson holds son Matthew Erickson’s hand Feb. 15, 2012, at Children’s Memorial Hospital.
Baby Matthew Erickson is checked out by Children's Memorial Hospital neurosurgeon Dr. Tord D. Alden on Jan. 23, 2012. Matthew was born Dec. 11, 2011, with a serious glioma, an especially aggressive type of brain tumor that's rare for babies.
Baby Matthew Erickson is checked out by Children’s Memorial Hospital neurosurgeon Dr. Tord D. Alden on Jan. 23, 2012. Matthew was born Dec. 11, 2011, with a serious glioma, an especially aggressive type of brain tumor that’s rare for babies.
Ben Erickson holds his son Matthew on Jan. 26, 2012, as students from South Elgin High School present the Erickson family with $5,000 to help baby Matthew fight a brain tumor.
Ben Erickson holds his son Matthew on Jan. 26, 2012, as students from South Elgin High School present the Erickson family with $5,000 to help baby Matthew fight a brain tumor.
Students at South Elgin High School present the Erickson family with a check for $5,000 on Jan. 26, 2012, to help with baby Matthew's medical costs.
Students at South Elgin High School present the Erickson family with a check for $5,000 on Jan. 26, 2012, to help with baby Matthew’s medical costs.
Sue Erickson breaks into tears Jan. 26, 2012, after hundreds of students from South Elgin High School presented the family with a check for $5,000 to help baby Matthew.
Sue Erickson breaks into tears Jan. 26, 2012, after hundreds of students from South Elgin High School presented the family with a check for $5,000 to help baby Matthew.
A South Elgin High School student takes a picture of Nolan Erickson, 5, baby Matthew Erickson and their mom, Sue Erickson, on Jan. 26, 2012. When parents Sue and Ben Erickson heard the news from the oncologist that their son’s organs were functioning normally and, aside from a malignant tumor, he was healthy, Sue said, ‘”We just looked at each other and said, ?’If there?’s any chance at all, we have to give it to him.??'”
Sue Erickson holds her son Matthew and cries after seeing the overwhelming support for her family from students and staff at South Elgin High School on Jan. 26, 2012.
Sue Erickson holds her son Matthew and cries after seeing the overwhelming support for her family from students and staff at South Elgin High School on Jan. 26, 2012.
Matthew Erickson waits silently as a nurse checks his vital signs at Dr. Tord Alden's office Jan. 23, 2012.
Matthew Erickson waits silently as a nurse checks his vital signs at Dr. Tord Alden’s office Jan. 23, 2012.
Matthew Erickson lies in his mother's arms at his doctor's office Jan. 23, 2012.
Matthew Erickson lies in his mother’s arms at his doctor’s office Jan. 23, 2012.
Children's Memorial Hospital neurosurgeon Dr. Tord Alden checks the scar on baby Matthew's head following brain surgery Jan. 23, 2012.
Children’s Memorial Hospital neurosurgeon Dr. Tord Alden checks the scar on baby Matthew’s head following brain surgery Jan. 23, 2012.
Sue Erickson holds her son Matthew in the doctor's office Jan. 23, 2012.
Sue Erickson holds her son Matthew in the doctor’s office Jan. 23, 2012.
Dr. Tord Alden holds baby Matthew Erickson's hand after Matthew's brain surgery Jan. 23, 2012.
Dr. Tord Alden holds baby Matthew Erickson’s hand after Matthew’s brain surgery Jan. 23, 2012.