Plano student praised for taking multiple surgeries in stride

His attitude through multiple surgeries has drawn applause, but he says it's just part of who he is

12:00 AM CST on Sunday, February 24, 2008
By CHRIS COATS / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News

At 3 feet, 7 inches tall, Clark High School freshman Matan Michaeli may not be the big man on campus. But many believe that it's because of his height that he stands tall.

"Matan has been dealt a special hand but doesn't want any special treatment," said his biology teacher, Teresa Reeves. "He just wants to do the things other people do. We all just stand back in awe and watch him do it."

Matan was born with achondroplasia, a type of dwarfism that results in a regular-sized torso and head but shortened arms and legs. A few weeks ago, he underwent surgery at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children to help straighten his bowed legs, which are common with his condition.

Matan, 14, recalled that the doctors asked for his thoughts on the possibility of also lengthening his legs.

"I told them that my height is part of me and that I'm proud of who I am," he said. "This is how I was in the beginning, and I don't want to change who I was put on this earth to be."

Dr. Tony Herring, chief of staff at Texas Scottish Rite, has overseen the four surgeries Matan has had so far.

"Matan has gone through painful procedures and does a really good job of getting through the arduous months to get through them," Dr. Herring said. "He's very upfront for doing the procedures. His attitude is, 'Let's do it, because I've got things to do.' "

Matan held off his last surgery so he could perform in the Plano Children's Theatre production of Little Shop of Horrors.

"I love acting," Matan said. "Plus, I knew it would be the last play I'd be in while I recovered."

Neicole Miller of the Plano Children's Theatre has worked with Matan on several productions. She said Matan's attitude has made him a role model.

"He doesn't let anything stop him," she said. "Matan has health issues that he must deal with on a daily basis, but you would never know it. He's our hero."

Matan, an honor student at Clark, sees himself as a normal kid with dreams of studying architecture in college or a career in fine arts.

He's recovering at home now, with his parents, older brother and younger sister, but he hopes to return to Clark before the end of the school year.

In a few weeks, he will have to undergo another procedure - one doctors hope will be the last.

"Matan didn't complain when he found out he needed to do it," said his father, Amnon Michaeli. "His bravery always gives me a boost."

Matan doesn't see what he does as extraordinary.

"I just feel good about who I am and feel everyone should feel the same way," he said. "If life seems tough, you just never give up. Keep following your dreams."

This summer, he took a school trip to New York and Washington, D.C., without his parents for the first time.

"I was worried," said his mother, Hamutal Michaeli. "But he came back so excited and thanked us for letting him go on the trip. I worried for nothing."

Barbara Glassner, Matan's sixth-grade social studies teacher at Hendrick Middle School, told his parents to cast their worries aside.

"Matan gets along with kids, and they look out for him," she said. "There's nothing he can't do, whether it's being in marching band or playing soccer. To have a teenager be openly happy for who they are, what more could any parent ask from a child?"