Welcome to MatthewDrake.com!
This website is a documentation of the journey Matthew has undertaken while going through limb lengthening surgeries to alleviate troubles associated with disproportionate short stature.
See The Surgery page for detailed information on what was involved.
Initially, the medical plan in British Columbia denied covering the costs of surgery as they deemed it to be 'experimental', 'not medically necessary', and having 'too great a potential for complications'. However, after many years of appealing, the Drake family has managed to overturn that decision and this surgery is now covered for patients that would like to have it. (see In the News page for more info).
As of March 19th - Matthew has finished his surgeries!
On that day he had all the pins removed from his final leg surgery and as soon as those holes filled in, he was off and running!
We sincerely thank all those that have helped him get this far!
Just Look at What Has Been Corrected During these surgeries...
By lengthening his legs 10.5", his back was pulled straighter; he also had corrections made to fix his; knee joints, hyper-extension, knock knees, bowing of his shins, and his ankle joints, which all improved his overall posture. His right elbow was corrected, his forearm straightened, and his upper arms lengthened by just over 4". He also happened to experience a growth spurt (a phenomena of the surgery) and gained another 3.5" for a total of approx. 15".
He is straighter, taller, more confident and independent.
He also no longer has trouble with his legs falling asleep from pinched nerves in his lower back, and can walk for miles at a time without any troubles.
He has graduated from Terry Fox Secondary, is now driving again, has secured his dream job of being a Video Game Tester at EA Games - and is contemplating which courses/programs he wants to take to continue his education in the technology field.
Matthew now stands at 5'2", a full 15 inches taller than when he started, and his hands now pass the top of his head by about 4"!
We thank you all - each and every one of you - that has helped Matthew get through this difficult time. The results have been remarkable, and more than worth all the effort put into getting it done.
News Flash!!
We have updated the Photo Gallery and added a new Video Page with some of the News Clips
A detailed blog of Matthew's final surgery and time spent in Baltimore can be found at:
Thank you for all your support!
Donations can be sent as cheques or money orders to:
