Skylar was born at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa.  At 10 months of age, he was diagnosed with a terminal disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy.  Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease. The motor neurons affect the voluntary muscles.  Involvement of respiratory muscles (muscles involved in breathing and coughing) caused increased tendency for pneumonia and other lung problems. Sensation and the ability to feel are not affected. Intellectual activity is normal and patients with SMA are extremely bright and sociable.

Skylar lived 7 full and beautiful years beating the odds of his 2 year life expectancy.  Skylar was an active playgroup member in the Sonoma Valley Mother’s Club starting at three months old.  He attended preschool at Crescent Montessori in the Community Center and Headstart at Flowery.  He continued on to the Presentation School where he spent two wonderful years in Kindergarten and First Grade.  Skylar loved school.  He had many friends and enjoyed the challenge of going up to Second Grade for Language Arts and Math.  Skylar had a zest for life and a strong spirit which compensated for his weak body.  He was an avid sports fan and dreamed of being a professional basketball player.  He knew every sports statistic about every player and team in the NBA, NCAA, NFL, and MLB.  What he couldn’t do on a sports court, he made up for on the X-Box 360 beating everyone at all sports games although his brother Spencer gave him a run for his money.  He could be seen all over Sonoma zooming around in his bright yellow powerchair.

Skylar was a loving brother and son.  His humor, wisdom beyond his years, love of life, courage, soft touch, thoughtful ways, bright blue eyes, and sunny smile will be missed by everyone.  He was a gift that was given to our family, friends and community for too short a time. We will treasure him and our cherished memories forever in our hearts.

Skylar is survived by his brothers, Spencer James and Sawyer Thomas of Sonoma, his parents James and Elizabeth of Sonoma, his maternal grandparents, Susan and Thomas Amlicke of Larchmont, NY and his paternal grandmother, Susan Bahrenburg Matthews of Honolulu, HI.

A memorial service and reception will be held in celebration of Skylar’s life (colorful attire encouraged) at the Presentation School Activities Center, 20872 Broadway, Sonoma on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.  Please checkout Skylar’s website at www.skylarsfight.com

<< Back