PLATTSBURGH —
Matt Thompson of Plattsburgh and Theresa Kempisty of the FitzPatrick Cancer Center have agreeded to disagree about their favorite baseball teams.
Thompson loves the New York Yankees, and Kempisty is a Red Sox fan.
Their rivalry began two years ago, when Matt began treatment at the Cancer Center for Hodgkins lymphoma.
“Matt’s infectious smile and hugs are always welcome, but what I love most is his undeniable love of the Yankees,” Kempisty said in a news release from the hospital.
TRIP TO NYC
To demonstrate her affection, Kempisty just spearheaded an effort to get the Plattsburgh man to not only see a Yankees game in New York City but to meet some of his favorite players.
Working with the Dream Foundation, the only dream-granting organization for adults, the FitzPatrick Cancer Center team was able to make Matt’s dream come true.
He and his parents will be in New York next weekend when the Yanks take on the Baltimore Orioles.
Kempisty was quick to point out that many people were involved in granting Matt’s wish, from the colleague who showed her the Dream Foundation brochure to the co-workers who helped complete the extensive documentation.
All were gathered at CVPH Thursday morning to see the surprise presented to Matt.
'KIND, GRACIOUS'
“Life throws many people a curve ball, and this young man has been thrown a few unfortunate ones,” Kempisty said in a letter written to the Dream Foundation about her friend, who also has Down Syndrome.
"Matt always remains kind, gracious and humble," she wrote.
When asked how he felt about the gift and being able to meet the players, Matt said, “It’s an honor.”
“Theresa is an unsung hero to us,” said Matt’s mother, Jane. "Everyone here has been wonderful."
“When people heard about Matt’s diagnosis, they asked us where we were taking him," said Matt's father, Mark.
"We said, 'Right here, where he can get first-class care and everyone is so caring.'”