In memory of their late brother, Tom Matias, members of Binghamton University’s Alpha Phi Omega will host a fundraiser next week for a cause he held close to his heart.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, the fraternity will hold “Miles for Matias,” a pediatric multiple sclerosis walk, at Highland Park in Endwell in Matias’ honor. A former BU student, Matias was dedicated to his community service fraternity during his time at BU.

At the age of 24, Matias committed suicide Sept. 4 after suffering from both depression and bipolar disorder. Nonetheless, his own personal hardships drove him to help people through community service, where he used his own unique experience to connect and relate to others, according to his brother, James Matias.

He transferred out of BU after a year and enrolled in Stony Brook University’s Occupational Therapy Program in fall 2007, although he passed away before he was able to finish the program.

While attending SBU, he volunteered with adolescents diagnosed with MS.

“He became interested in pediatric MS after enrolling … at Stony Brook,” said James Matias. “He volunteered at a weekend retreat with MS patients; he came back touched by their strength.”

Matias would talk to patients about issues not discussed in the medical field, as some doctors were embarrassed to talk to college-aged MS patients about sexual issues that were important to them, his brother said.

Because of his own personal struggles, Matias was no stranger to dealing with sensitive issues, his brother said. When he was surrounded by patients who were sick with a rare and painful disease, he felt comfortable relating to them and was able to speak to them in a way few others could.

“It seemed that no one was willing to hear about patients’ concerns over issues with sex and sexuality,” said James Matias. “Tom, on the other hand, was interested in helping and bringing these issues to light. Perhaps because of his own life, he was interested in sexual issues and understood their importance, not wanting these issues to go unnoticed.”

Matias’ passion for helping others didn’t go unnoticed by his peers. Jenna Rosenberg, a member of Alpha Phi Omega, who is organizing the walk, said that the walk is a way to forward the club’s mission.

“Our motto is leadership, friendship and service,” she said. “Tom just seemed to resemble those qualities more than anyone else I know, he was amazing … the most selfless person I have ever met.”

Outside of BU and his fraternity, he was equally respected for his commitment.

“He was very passionate about working with the kids,” said Maria Milazzo, a clinical assistant professor at Stony Brook who personally volunteered with Matias.

Matias is survived by his two parents Luis and Michele, brothers Robert and James and sister Mary.

Students interested in participating can sign up at the walk. The money raised from the walk will be donated to the National Pediatric MS Center at Stony Brook University Hospital and Medical Center.