Matthew Stanford Robison came into the world on September 23, 1988, in Salt Lake City, Utah, after a challenging birth that left him with significant disabilities—blindness and paralysis from the waist down. Tragically, Matthew’s life came to an end on February 21, 1999, when he was just 10 years old.
Following his demise, his father, Ernest Robison, wanted to create a special memorial for him. Ernest Robison was not only a loving father but also a skilled sculptor. He poured his heart and soul into crafting the statue of Matthew, meticulously detailing every aspect to capture the essence of his son’s resilience.
The project received tremendous support from the local community and various charitable organizations, who recognized the profound impact it could have on raising awareness about disabilities and inspiring people to overcome adversity.
Ernest worked tirelessly for years to raise funds and find a suitable location for the memorial, eventually securing a prominent spot in a park in Salt Lake City, where it would be accessible to all.
He designed the statue below of Matthew climbing out of his wheelchair and reaching for the sky healed from all his Earthly burdens.
