Memories of Swirls
Matthew’s story is one of courage, joy, and a lasting legacy that continues to inspire Swirls Around the World’s mission to bring hope to families facing childhood cancer.
Welcome to Memories with Swirls!
The three most important values to Swirls were his Family, his Friends, and his Faith….and of course his car. We know that Swirls touched everyone he met, and we would love to share all of the memories and impacts that he had on others.
If you have a memory with Swirls that you would like to share, please go to the “Contact” tab and fill in the message form and we will post all of the memories on this page!
Thank you for your continuous support in continuing Matthew’s legacy. We can’t wait to read your memories!
“My favorite memories of Matt , I don’t know were to begin, as his dad, but ever since he was a toddler he would love to visit my parents in Winthrop , we would go to the park and up cottage park road to see the planes at Logan airport , he would always entertain my dad and mom , my mother would try to teach him Italian … it was the funniest thing…. he was the Cirelli s first grandson , my parents adored him so very much always wanted to see him and Jared too…. as Matt got older he bonded with my brothers , everyone loved him and will always have a special place in our hearts”
– John Cirelli, Matt’s dad
“When he was little, taking Matt anywhere to like a park or basketball courts and before that he loved Elmo and Buzz Light Year so just making him smile was all that mattered those days. From when he was little I told him I’d get him his first car so when Mamma Swirls and Matt saw his car I got him I got to see him so happy which was awesome (later known as the Swirls Mobile). Asking Matt if it was ok to order the Swirls Strong Bracelets and he loved the idea so being able to start those bracelets was great for me being he loved the idea. When he asked me to be his Confirmation Sponsor I was so happy. Biggest regret I have was not being well enough to be around him and anyone the last 2 & 1/2 months of his life. There are so many great memories I could write a book about Matt just like anyone who got to know him and Jared was almost always right there as he was everything to Matt”
– Uncle Anthony Cirelli
“Matthew and I played guitar hero at my house. I remember having the band edition so we can sing and play the guitar. I remember me singing and Matt playing guitar to songs we both like like Linkin Park’s “What I’ve done” and Black Label Society’s “Stillborn”. I also recalled sharing songs and rock bands to each other. In fact, some of the bands and songs I listen to remind me of Matt and how much he enjoyed it! :)”
– Nicole, Matt’s cousin
“There are so many wonderful memories I have of Matt, it is hard to narrow down to just a few. I think my favorite memories are of course Pasta Sundays when all the cousins would be over and Matt, Jared, Michael, Jake, JA and some of Matt’s friends would play a full blown knee hockey game in the basement-complete with the raising of the home-made Stanley Cup. Always a great time with many laughs and memories.”
- Auntie Diane Caruso
“Like all of us, I have wonderful memories of my nephew Matt. One in particular happened on a bright, fall day. I rounded up the cousins to help me rake leaves. After compiling a huge pile of leaves of which Matt did most of the raking, I went to get the leaf bags and returned just in time to hear Matt give the command. ‘Ready 1,2,3 jump’ and well the pictures tell the rest. ”
– Uncle Rich
On August 21st, 2013, Swirls made his Super Bowl prediction for the 2013-2014 football season. He predicted that the Seattle Seahawks would face the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. On Sunday, February 2nd, 2014, the Seahawks did indeed defeat the Denver Broncos 43-8. Swirls was unable to be with us to see his prediction come true, but he was honored on Fox 25 News Boston to share his story with the world. We will never forget this incredible moment.
