by Marissa Belles

The Arizona Republic

April 2, 2009

MESA - Lynn Becker's third hour trigonometry class at Dobson High School opened their wallets and hearts for muscular dystrophy.

Each year, the school's DECA club raises money to support muscular dystrophy research, an important cause for Becker, whose five-year-old nephew died from the disease.

"The fundraiser began last week and on Tuesday I began telling my class stories of Matthew," Becker said. "He was a great kid with a fabulous sense of humor, and every day I would share another story."

Becker reminisced about Matthew getting his younger brother to fetch him cookies as he watched from his wheelchair and playing stellar defense with his cousins during flag football.

"Nobody could get around him and his wheelchair," Becker said laughing. "He was such a special little boy."

The stories hit a nerve as students began donating their lunch and spending money to the cause, eventually raising $150. That was the biggest classroom donation, and they did it in memory of Matthew Grant Smith.

"One of my students, Kayla Spurzem , donated $5 every day," Becker said. "Word travels fast, and I had students from other classes donating to my classroom specifically to give tribute to Matthew."

Donations will help send kids with MD to summer camp, something Becker said Matthew would have enjoyed very much.

"We hear so many negative things about teenagers and I think it is important to show that kids do good things too," Becker said. "I am so proud of my students."