11/27 update:
You’ve helped Matthew raise over $642,910!
$234,902 through National MPS Society. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from this awesome community!
All Type B family totals: $3.46M raised toward $3.8M Dec 1st goal
We Need Your Help
Most parents imagine a bright future for their children–them growing up and meeting many milestones, going to school, making friends, getting a job one day, getting old… That will not be the case for Matthew unless we can get him a treatment soon. His brain and body are dying, and the condition he has will likely end his life before adulthood. We are fighting for his life, and the one thing standing in the way is funding. We need your help to save Matthew.
Our Story
Our son Matthew is a sweet and playful kid, loving his family deeply. He adores his brother Nathan, saves treats for Mommy, requests piggyback rides from Daddy, and prays for his grandparents nightly. His big grin warms every heart, and he can be seen toting around his favorite Baymax pillow everywhere.
Matthew’s life began with challenges due to multicystic dysplastic kidney syndrome, and at 2 years old, he started early intervention due to a mild expressive speech delay. A few months later, impaired hearing and ear fluid led to genetic testing, from which we expected negative results. We could never have imagined what would follow.
A week later, the genetic results confirmed Sanfilippo Syndrome Type B, a rare, neurodegenerative, and terminal disease caused by a missing enzyme needed to recycle waste in the cells. As a result, toxic material builds up in the brain and other organs, leading to progressive damage and eventual early death.
Our hearts were shattered. I cannot explain the unimaginable grief we felt, to know that our sweet and vibrant son who loves to sing, laugh, and play — will soon lose the ability to think, talk, and move, dying after just a short time in our lives. This was the most difficult and daunting thing we have ever faced.
We have spent the past 1.5 years navigating the world of rare disease — talking to doctors and researchers, going to appointments and therapies, fundraising, advocating, and searching far and wide for help. Any help.
We quickly learned that Sanfilippo Syndrome Type B has NO cure, NO treatment, and NOTHING accessible in the clinical trial stage. It seemed unlikely Matthew would receive any treatment before irreversible decline set in.
A Window of Opportunity
However, in just the past few weeks, a rare window of opportunity has opened up. For the first time ever, a potential treatment for Sanfilippo Syndrome Type B is on the horizon and within reach. We realize this is a crucial, God-ordained moment, with a narrow window of opportunity to make a difference.
A company has agreed to create an early access program that would allow a number of Sanfilippo Syndrome Type B children to receive enzyme replacement therapy before it obtains FDA approval. This treatment would provide the very enzyme our children’s bodies cannot produce — helping them stay healthy and potentially slowing or even preventing decline.
To move this treatment forward, $6 million total is needed, with $3.8 million required by Dec 1 to take the next critical step.
Our family has decided to step out in faith and partner with other Sanfilippo Type B families to fundraise for this cause — because this is the only possible option available right now to save Matthew and other Sanfilippo Type B children.
We’re asking you to walk with us. While we can’t guarantee the outcome for Matthew and other children, we know we cannot miss this. This treatment could pave the way for dozens of children and redefine the future for families affected by this diagnosis. It’s a chance to change what’s possible for those who come next.
How You Can Help
- Pray. Please intercede to God for all the children affected. Pray for wisdom, stamina, and God’s provision in this endeavor
- Be a voice. Share this page with your community. Text a friend. Post it online. Every share brings us closer to a breakthrough for kids with Sanfilippo Type B. One share could change everything
- Give. Please consider donating to support this opportunity — a gift of any size makes a difference
Follow Our Journey
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Cure.Matthew
- Facebook: Facebook.com/CureMatthew/
Other ways to donate without fees
- Fidelity Charitable: Include “In Honor of Matthew Lau” in the memo
- Mail a check: National MPS Society, P. O. Box 14686, Durham, NC 27709. Include “Matthew Lau Type B EA Program” in the memo line
- Don’t forget to check if your company has a donation match! You can submit a tax receipt if you donated outside of your company’s matching portal.
- Transaction fees are waived for donations made through this site. 100% goes to Expanded Access Program
FAQ
Q: What does the expanded access program look like?
A: The expanded access program aims to provide enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) to 14 kids for 1 year via compassionate use (a pathway for patients with serious conditions to access investigational treatments when no other options are available and they can’t join a clinical trial). This buys time for the kids, preventing regression while awaiting FDA approval of the ERT
Q: Where do your donations go?
A: Donations pass through National MPS Society, and the biotech company, to pay for enzyme replacement therapy manufacturing. No fees are taken by the foundation or the biotech company. The manufactured ERT will be used in the expanded access program, with Matthew’s potential participation in 2026
Q: Are we fundraising alone, or with others?
A: We’re fundraising alongside 11+ families impacted by Sanfilippo Type B, as well as other Sanfilippo types families selflessly jumping on to support
Q: What is the fundraising goal?
A: About $6M with two phases of fundraising: $3.8M by Dec 1, followed by $2.2M by early 2026
Q: What happens if we don’t reach our goals by the deadlines?
A: If the program doesn’t move forward, all funds will go toward alternative Sanfilippo Type B treatments
Q: How is Matthew doing?
A: Matthew is continuing to develop with his favorite activities including scootering, fetching mail with mommy, baking cookies, and playing with big brother Nathan. But with Sanfilippo Type B, progression is unpredictable – skills like talking can vanish in a matter of weeks. We are racing against time to secure a treatment!