'Camp Matty' a best charity nominee

(FOX Providence) - A "Best Charity" nominee in the Rhode Show's "Best of Rhode Island," the Matty Fund charity is a unique organization that uses horses to help children and families cope with epilepsy.

Debra and Richard Siravo of Wakefield created the Matty Fund in honor of their son Matt, who died after brain surgery at the age of 5. Matt suffered his first seizure just days before his first birthday. Although the surgery went well, Matt suffered from a prolonged seizure during his recovery and died in 2003.

"When Debbie and I created the Matty Fund several years ago, we wanted to create opportunities for children to play, to engage in activities that children with or without epilepsy have always had afforded to them," says Executive Creator Richard Siravo.

Horseback riding is considered a uniquely beneficial form of therapy. The physical benefits of muscle strengthening and improved coordination are paralleled by the social and psychological benefits of the program. The activities are designed to foster a sense of teamwork and friendship among the children.

Staff member Kathy Partington shares an understanding of how difficult it can be to cope with a disability such as epilepsy. "My niece has epilepsy, and she's seventeen now and this is the first year she's seizure-free. I know what her mom and dad go through every day, you know, the side effects of the medications just made her a different kid. Here, everyday, they get to be just like any other child."

Camp Matty is located at Angels on Horseback in Ashaway, Rhode Island, and offers resources for families touched by epilepsy, a scholarship program, workshops for teachers, and more.