GREEN, Ohio — Two months after the Green Memorial Day tragedy that took the life of 13-year-old Matthew Schultz, his family talked about honoring him, his legacy and the outpouring of community support they have received.
Matthew overcame a lot in his short life. Born with a congenital heart defect and a chromosomal disorder, the boy had four surgeries and a pacemaker. He also had a contagious way of looking at the positive and big dreams to be famous, according to his parents, Daniel and Jen Schultz.
"He always wanted to be a famous YouTuber, an actor or something," Daniel said. "We felt like spreading his word is a way to honor his memory, honor his wishes."
Matthew was also involved in the "Sophie Bowl", which is a flag football tournament that raises awareness and funding for families impacted by congenital heart defects.
"It was Matthew's favorite event every year. They just really made him feel special," Daniel said.
Daniel and Jen said that Matthew loved having fun, making friends and bringing people together, so his sudden loss devastated many.
"I think it's important to tell your kid how proud you are of them, and to tell them that you love them, and to hug them every day," Jen said.
Jen said she did just that before her son left to participate in the Green Memorial Day parade on May 26.
Tragically, the boy fell off the Air Ninja gym trailer during the parade and was hit and killed by the trailer's wheels. His father was a passenger in the truck that was pulling the trailer.
"It was a tragic accident, obviously," Daniel Schultz said. "Anybody who witnessed it, it's a terrible tragedy and we feel for them as well knowing what we're going through."
Since the accident, there has been an outpouring of support from residents and businesses, including a GoFundMe page that has raised more than $100,000.
"The generosity has been just amazing. The community support has been something beyond what we ever would have thought or expected," Daniel said.
"Without the community support, we would not be getting up. That's for sure. It's rallied us together," Jen added.
Watch more about the support the family has received:
RELATED: Schultz family thanks community for support following tragedy at Memorial Day parade
An anonymous parishioner at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Green donated a stone to honor the boy at a memory garden for parents who have lost children.
"This is a place that Dan and I come to pray and reflect on Matthew's life," Jen said. "It's beautiful."
Some of the financial donations have allowed Daniel and Jen to take extended leave from their jobs as they navigate their grief.
"That's one thing you don't really necessarily think about is what happens after a child is gone. How do you survive? How do you function mentally? It's very hard," Jen said.
Daniel and Jen continue to look for ways to use a portion of the money to honor Matthew's legacy. They're not sure how that will look just yet, but they're hoping to create opportunities that match the way Matthew lived: smiling, inspiring and helping others.
"He was only 13, so that's a short life to live, but it's important for us to know that his story doesn't end there and that he can still positively impact others," Jen said.
To that end, they also hope their son will continue be an inspiration to others facing or overcoming health challenges, especially children with heart conditions.
"He always wanted to share his story, and hopefully then with us also sharing his story, it can help others," his father said.
