Miami Lakes officials honored Jeremy “JJ” Matthews during the Sept. 10 Town Council meeting for his efforts to raise awareness about childhood cancer.
JJ, 13, is a survivor of retinoblastoma, which affected his vision. He is an 8th grade student at Bob Graham Education Center.
September was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
“You’re an immense inspiration to us all, all the work you do here in the Town of Miami Lakes and throughout the country,” former Mayor Manny Cid said when awarding the teen with a proclamation.
JJ thanked the council for the recognition, and said, “It’s a big deal.” He said his advocacy work is in memory of his best friend who died from the disease in 2023.
From left: Councilmen Ray Garcia and Bryan Morera; Jeremy’s mother Jackie Matthews; Jeremy “JJ” Matthews; former Mayor Manny Cid and former Vice Mayor Tony Fernandez.
Photo provided by Jonathan Gil/Town of Miami Lakes.