Letters from my friends in room 18:)

Here are some letters from my dear friends in room 18. Thank you so much for your words of kindness and hope. Keep moving forward and Remember in the great words of Winston Churchill, "never never never give up".

Life Coach Matt,

June 18, 2008

Dear Matthew Cox
Thank you for coming to Room 18 to talk to us about RSP. It was a little different when you were in it. One thing, that I really enjoyed hearing was you have the cool software, that all you do is put on a headset on your head and you talk into it and it types for you. I found that really cool. If I had that I wouldn't ever have to type again. I really appreciate that you came to Rome 18 and talked to us about how you grew up and you had a learning disability. I felt that I could do anything even if I am in RSP. I think that you are a successful man even though you have a learning disability. That's what I think of you. Thank you so much! I hope that you can come to our school when I'm in sixth grade.

Your friend, In Room 18


Dear Matthew Cox

I thank you for taking your time with us. I really liked your speech. It was just as important to me as Dr. Martin Luther King's speech! I really liked it. It was quite fun. I have trouble in reading and writing. I think that it is very cool to have the same disability as you! Thank you, again.

Love, Room 18

Dear Mr. Cox

Thank you for all the time you have put in for us and we appreciate all you say to us. Thank you for driving all the way for us. No we know what to do when someone makes fun of us. Thank you for all the hard work you have done for us.

Sincerely, Room 18


Dear Matthew Cox

Thank you for coming in our room in talking to us. That was the best speech I've ever heard. It was really cool about college. You really encouraged me to be more than a firefighter you helped me to want to serve my country.

Sincerely, Room 18

Dear Mr. Cox

Thank you for your speech. Thanks.

Love, Room 18

Dear Mr. Cox

Thank you for the speech. It was cool to learn about your life. I hope I can be just like you have a job a dog and a happy life! Thank you very much for telling us about yourself.
Your friend, in Room 18

Dear Matthew Cox

Thank you for telling us how you grew up when you were young. I like when you want we want to be when you grow up. I want to make cars. I hope you get this letter. I hope you right back. Have a good summer.

Sincerely, Room 18

Dear Mr. Cox

Thank you so much for the speech. I was inspiring to hear you talk about your disabilities. I especially like caring about the computer that types why you speak. Good luck getting your master's degree.

Your friend, in Room 18

Dear Mr. Cox

I so appreciated your Conversation, time, and encouragement you gave my students. The work you do for children in need who do not believe in themselves is phenomenal.

Thank you and bless you,
Room 18

My Trip to Los Angeles

Hello everybody,

I felt inspired to write on the blog today to tell you a little about my trip. I just recently got back from Glendale which is the Los Angeles area. I was able to visit several schools and I wanted to write and share my feelings about my travels. This trip was very inspiring. I enjoyed meeting all the kids and young adults. I was very impressed by the teachers and what they do for these young kids.

If I can take a moment to talk to you about helping these young ones to never give up. As I went into classrooms and as I talked to parents I've learned that all it takes is bridging the gap between the parents and the teachers. Helping the kids understand what their abilities are and what their strengths are. Knowing that you can adapt to their situations and bringing out their strengths and highlighting them. I've seen so much going around to the schools. These teachers do such a great job in bringing out the hopes and dreams of these children. Thank you so much teachers. Thank you so much parents. Thank you for being willing to always sacrifice and do the things you can.

I was very touched by a lot of the personal stories I heard both from parents and
from teachers. I was touched by teachers that chose to teach because they personally
struggled with a learning disability. Their mission is to inspire and help those that struggle. There are so many untold stories of success, of not giving up, of moving forward through the struggles you may have in the world. Understand this as you continue to believe in your purpose, understand why you are doing
what you're doing, and know who you are and where you came from - you are setting the stage for success. We all come from different places, different experiences, and different circumstances. We might not have a great home life, we might not have support from home.we have to get that support from wonderful teachers and those
around us. It might be the opposite and you don't get the support you need outside of the home and you're always faced with teasing or tormenting even if you don't
have a learning disability. You want to be able to respond with strong self-esteem and confidence no matter what it might be that you struggle with. Remember not to give up on yourself.

I've been inspired with this trip. I appreciate the teachers who let me come into their classrooms. I appreciate the parents and also the kids. Visiting with the kids reminds me so much of me and I appreciate when they opened their hearts
and shared their stories with me.. They shared how it feels to struggle when it comes to learning. They shared that it's tough no matter what their disability may be physically or intellectually. The feelings are the same, the frustration and anxiety and tension are the same. The sense at times of not knowing why you feel the way you feel, of being frustrated with the worldaround you. They reminded me of why we started the Never Give Up Foundation. Our mission is to never have a kid feel that frustration or anxiety.

To all of these kids, their parents, and the teachers - keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing you all again. Thank you for the experience. I loved it and it helps me to keep moving forward and never give up. Remember who you are and what you stand for and where you're going. Always live your life with purpose. I love you
all. Thank you for sharing a moment of your life with me.

Parenting for Children with Special Needs October 11,2008

Parenting for Children with Special Needs

October 11, 2008

• I just want to thank you for all that you do for our children. I am leaving very satisfied with this meeting. It was my first time here and I have more to learn.

• Thank you for your time. I learned a little more to be able to help my daughter and family. I would like to know more about autism.

• I just wan to thank you for the great help that I received today. I feel more calm/at peace now because I know that I’ll be able to help my son to realize his dreams, but more than anything that he have confidence and a sense of security in himself.

• The meeting helps the parents a lot how to understand our kids with learning disability. Thank you for having this kind of meeting it really helps us.

• The presentation was great. Lots of information. Very informative. Thank you.

• I just have to thank you for all the support.

• I love coming to talk to Matt. This is my 4^th class. I think I really understand all about FEAR and the effect and how I need to change some of my ways and I always go hopeful after seeing Matt and Dr. King.

• That was an outstanding presentation. I feel like I’m complete to work with my child. Thanks so much.

• Thank you for your invitation. The meeting was very efficient and very informative. The presentations were very good. I hope these continue. Especially impressed by presenter, Matthew.

• It was my first experience in that kind of meeting. It was really helpful and interesting.

• Good. I loved it. I want to come again!