MATTHEW COLMAN
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surgery and went through what his
sister called "a year of hell." His
mother literally moved to Los
Angeles to be with her son, where
she remained until his death. Her
husband, Joel Levi, commuted
every weekend from their West
Bloomfield home.
"He was a very special young
man," said Joel Levi, who had
known Matt since he was a toddler.
"If anybody could choose a son, it
would be him."
"His mother, Lynn, was Matt's
angel," said Rabbi Joseph Krakoff
during Matt's eulogy. "Their last
year together was a gift from God."
Coincidentally, Rabbi Krakoff, of
Congregation Shaarey Zedek in
Southfield, where the family are
members, happened to be vacation-
ing in Los Angeles at the same time
Matt was hospitalized. He provided
enormous support, visiting Matt
regularly in the hospital and offer-
ing comfort to his family.
"Without Rabbi Krakoff, I don't
know how we would have done it,"
said Alyssa Kay. "He was so com-
passionate, he treated us as if we
were his own family."
Alyssa has been very involved in
the annual Cystic Fibrosis Founda-
tion Great Strides 10k walk, which
takes place in cities across the
United States during May. Two
years ago, Alyssa formed "Team
Matt," comprised of more than 100
people who raised more than
$33,000, making it the highest-
ranking team in Michigan. The
event takes place 9 a.m. Sunday,
May 4, at the Drake Sports Park in
West Bloomfield. (For information,
call (248) 661-9945.)
"This year's walk will be in mem-
ory and celebration of Matt's life,"
Alyssa said.
Matthew Colman is survived by
his parents, Lynn and Joel Levi of
West Bloomfield, Dr. Richard and
Sandra Colman of Bloomfield
Hills; sisters and brothers-in-law,
Alyssa and Jeff Kay of Farmington
Hills, Rebecca and Craig Goldberg
of West Bloomfield; brothers,
David Levi of West Bloomfield,
Michael Battaglia of Bloomfield
Hills; nephews and nieces, Nicole,
Ashley, Ari, and Julia.
Contributions may be made to
the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-
Team Matt, 2265 Livernois, Suite
410, Troy, MI, 48083.
Interment was at Clover Hill
Park Cemetery. Arrangements by
Hebrew Memorial Chapel.
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4/18
2003
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