Inspiring 22-year-old believes in himself, and the Maple Leafs

RIVERVIEW, N.B. – Matthew Ward from Riverview just might be the province’s biggest Toronto Maple Leafs fan.

Matthew believes in the team, and knows first-hand how to overcome challenges.

“I’ve been through a lot but I always try to stay positive and stuff like that,” the 22-year-old said.

Born with an aggressive form of Muscular Dystrophy, Matthew wasn’t expected to live past the age of 14. But his mom says her boy doesn’t put a lot of stock in statistics.

“He is amazing even times when they said he wasn’t going to pull through he’d say, ‘Mom, I know I am going to pull through,'” said Elan Saniga.

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So it’s no surprise which NHL team he cheers for.

“I always have the hope that someday, you know, soon hopefully,” said Matthew.

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Lured into Leafs nation by his father, Matthew has amassed a rather impressive collection of Maple Leaf memorabilia.

“Matthew’s never been able to ride a bike when he was young or drive a car so this is the least I could do is provide him with a collection of stuff that he enjoys,” Saniga said.

Matthew is now bedridden by his disease, but he’s surrounded by collectibles that hold his most treasured memories.

“If it wasn’t for my mom, I would not have all the stuff I have.”

Because travel is not an option for Matthew, he hasn’t gotten to go to a game. But that doesn’t dampen his enthusiasm for life and the Leafs.

In keeping with his loyal nature and unwavering hopes for the future, he maintains the steadfast belief that his team will make the playoffs this year.

“That would be awesome.”