Philip Matthews
McCallie eighth-grader Philip Matthews was one of three finalist for the Hope Award at the One With Courage awards of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Chattanooga.
Matthews was born with Goldenhar’s Syndrome, a rare birth defect that causes severe facial deformities and required Matthews to undergo 23 surgeries and procedures. His parents were told that he would have mental and cognitive deficiencies, but Matthews and his family refused to give up.
After participating in the the Early Intervention program at Siskin Children's Institue until the age of 5, Matthews went on to graduate from Westview Elementary and earn a spot as a student McCallie, where he is "a valuable member of the community."
With the help of his parents, Matthews founded Love Without Reason, a nonprofit organization which raises money to pay for facial surgery for children born with birth defects in developing countries. He also travels around the world speaking about his experiences, offering hope and inspiration to children and parents in situation similar to his.
“Even though Philip didn’t win in his category, he should be very proud of have been a finalist,” Children’s Advocacy Center development associated Sarah Spencer said. “There were many worthy nominees this year, and it was very tough to choose our finalists and winners.”
To learn more about Matthews’ nonprofit Love Without Reason, visit lovewithoutreason.org.