24 days before wedding this couples lives change
Donation protected
Hearts are breaking for this young couple, Matt and Courtney, whom were just 24 days away from their wedding day when tragedy shook their world. Monday, the evening of Sept 2nd, Matt was helping me (as his wedding planner) move wedding items from storage and I asked him what he wanted most on his wedding day? His response was so heartfelt. He stated “the most important thing to me is just to have Courtney as my wife” I knew then that these two childhood sweethearts truly share a lifetime bond in love. The only major request of Courtney’s has been “I just want to be his wife and marry Matt” They have been the most easy-going couple I have ever worked with and you can feel the love between them as they enter any room together. You can see the way he looks at her; you can tell that he is ready to spoil her and be the best husband he can be.
The following day, Sept 3rd, this couple’s lives were turned upside down, as Matt was involved in a horrible auto accident while he was at work. He and his passenger were extracted from the company truck. His passenger did not survive and passed away at the scene, and Matt was flown by LifeNet to UNMC in critical condition. Courtney and Matt’s parents, Lilly and Matt Sr., as well Courtney’s mother, Lorena, and siblings rushed to Matt’s side with hopes of any healing touch or encouraging words for Matt. Support started to come in from friends and family; love is felt. Honest, loving people that are hard to find filled waiting rooms on the 8th floor of UNMC. Nursing staff allows just 2 visitors at a time so as I watched pairs of 2 flock the hospital hallway, I couldn’t help but think of the quote “If love alone could have saved you, you would be here today.” That couldn’t be truer for this small town, easy going, dog loving, gaming, shy, soft-hearted man; whom you can see was raised to be a perfect gentleman. You can’t help but feel how much this man is loved. As every tear falls down the cheeks of this blended family, my heart breaks for them.
Family, friends, and, of course, Courtney have not left Matt’s side as they learn that love alone cannot save him. Trust me, if that was the case, Matt would be back in normal routine, at home with Courtney and their two fur babies, but unfortunately Matt’s survival chances are very low with zero chance of living life as planned or making it down the aisle on the 28th of September.
Courtney’s wedding plans have now changed to preparing for other life-changing events. The medical bills are piling high and she has not left Matt’s side; therefore, not only has she lost Matt’s income but hers as well since returning to work would be furthest from any wife’s mind. Matt, Courtney, and Courtney’s mom have thousands of dollars out in deposits for what was set to be their wedding date. Some vendors are not budging as far as refunds, even though their services are no longer needed. My hopes are to have them find it in their hearts to refund the money due to this tragic accident as Courtney and Matt’s family will need to place that money elsewhere. I am giving some vendors time to think of how they can help, but I would like to thank the following for complete refunds and/or no service charges; Ron and Sandy at Heartland Country Barn (venue), Chris Heiman (the D.J. and personality), Sara Benzel (this couple’s personal photographer), Lori Farrell (the florist), Hawks BBQ and catering, Lilly Hammond (cake), and my assistants, Jody Hespen and Leah Shipley. You guys are amazing and appreciate each one of you for the refunds. The amount of refunds will not even compare to the financial burdens that will face Courtney and Matt’s family in the days ahead, so I’m asking for any donations that one may be able to give. Maybe if you planned on attending the wedding and bringing a gift as a nice gesture, donating now seems to be a more realistic gesture. Matt and Courtney just purchased their first home and endure them costs already in the beginning stages of their journey as husband and wife; the life they have decided on forever. Right now, that forever fate looks like it will be forever in our hearts. Although we don’t want to give up hope or stop praying for miracles, we know that odds are against them; so even if you’re unable to donate today, please take time to say a prayer for Matt, Courtney, and the rest of the Gendreau/Hammond family. Take time to count your blessings, maybe more than twice as life really can change in an instant. Imagine the devastation you would feel if it was you in Courtney’s place of planning to hold Matt’s hand as they walk down the aisle to holding his hand while he is fighting so hard for his life. Most of us will spend a lifetime searching for their soulmate and still never find the “one” but Matt and Courtney have decided on forever together and really are each other’s world. If you’re blessed to have found the one for you, imagine how you would feel if your “one” was quickly pulled away from you in the matter of seconds.
I can’t even imagine trying Courtney’s shoes on without feeling physical pain in my heart or wiping away tears. Can you imagine yourself in Lilly and Matt Sr.’s shoes, trying to do anything to spare the life of their son. Lorena’s shoes, whom I have worked with daily and can assure you that she couldn’t wait to become Matt’s mother in law, as she has loved him like her own for several years. This mother would do anything just to trade places with her daughter just so her daughter didn’t have to feel the pain she has seen in Courtney’s eyes since September 3rd. Imagine the pain of his siblings watching their strong older brother become weak. Imagine his friends and family, some of whom can picture Matt playing in the school yard. I, myself, can feel my heart break just by having Matt in my life as I planned their perfect day for the past year. Matt made a lasting impression on everyone in his life. His soft words, adorable smile, and huge heart are just a few traits that have built this man.
Update: Matt passed away at 3 a.m. on 9/06/2019. May you rest easy Matt. Fly high with the angels. Walk with Courtney every day from this day forward and give her the strength to get through the days ahead as you are laid to rest. We love you.
The following day, Sept 3rd, this couple’s lives were turned upside down, as Matt was involved in a horrible auto accident while he was at work. He and his passenger were extracted from the company truck. His passenger did not survive and passed away at the scene, and Matt was flown by LifeNet to UNMC in critical condition. Courtney and Matt’s parents, Lilly and Matt Sr., as well Courtney’s mother, Lorena, and siblings rushed to Matt’s side with hopes of any healing touch or encouraging words for Matt. Support started to come in from friends and family; love is felt. Honest, loving people that are hard to find filled waiting rooms on the 8th floor of UNMC. Nursing staff allows just 2 visitors at a time so as I watched pairs of 2 flock the hospital hallway, I couldn’t help but think of the quote “If love alone could have saved you, you would be here today.” That couldn’t be truer for this small town, easy going, dog loving, gaming, shy, soft-hearted man; whom you can see was raised to be a perfect gentleman. You can’t help but feel how much this man is loved. As every tear falls down the cheeks of this blended family, my heart breaks for them.
Family, friends, and, of course, Courtney have not left Matt’s side as they learn that love alone cannot save him. Trust me, if that was the case, Matt would be back in normal routine, at home with Courtney and their two fur babies, but unfortunately Matt’s survival chances are very low with zero chance of living life as planned or making it down the aisle on the 28th of September.
Courtney’s wedding plans have now changed to preparing for other life-changing events. The medical bills are piling high and she has not left Matt’s side; therefore, not only has she lost Matt’s income but hers as well since returning to work would be furthest from any wife’s mind. Matt, Courtney, and Courtney’s mom have thousands of dollars out in deposits for what was set to be their wedding date. Some vendors are not budging as far as refunds, even though their services are no longer needed. My hopes are to have them find it in their hearts to refund the money due to this tragic accident as Courtney and Matt’s family will need to place that money elsewhere. I am giving some vendors time to think of how they can help, but I would like to thank the following for complete refunds and/or no service charges; Ron and Sandy at Heartland Country Barn (venue), Chris Heiman (the D.J. and personality), Sara Benzel (this couple’s personal photographer), Lori Farrell (the florist), Hawks BBQ and catering, Lilly Hammond (cake), and my assistants, Jody Hespen and Leah Shipley. You guys are amazing and appreciate each one of you for the refunds. The amount of refunds will not even compare to the financial burdens that will face Courtney and Matt’s family in the days ahead, so I’m asking for any donations that one may be able to give. Maybe if you planned on attending the wedding and bringing a gift as a nice gesture, donating now seems to be a more realistic gesture. Matt and Courtney just purchased their first home and endure them costs already in the beginning stages of their journey as husband and wife; the life they have decided on forever. Right now, that forever fate looks like it will be forever in our hearts. Although we don’t want to give up hope or stop praying for miracles, we know that odds are against them; so even if you’re unable to donate today, please take time to say a prayer for Matt, Courtney, and the rest of the Gendreau/Hammond family. Take time to count your blessings, maybe more than twice as life really can change in an instant. Imagine the devastation you would feel if it was you in Courtney’s place of planning to hold Matt’s hand as they walk down the aisle to holding his hand while he is fighting so hard for his life. Most of us will spend a lifetime searching for their soulmate and still never find the “one” but Matt and Courtney have decided on forever together and really are each other’s world. If you’re blessed to have found the one for you, imagine how you would feel if your “one” was quickly pulled away from you in the matter of seconds.
I can’t even imagine trying Courtney’s shoes on without feeling physical pain in my heart or wiping away tears. Can you imagine yourself in Lilly and Matt Sr.’s shoes, trying to do anything to spare the life of their son. Lorena’s shoes, whom I have worked with daily and can assure you that she couldn’t wait to become Matt’s mother in law, as she has loved him like her own for several years. This mother would do anything just to trade places with her daughter just so her daughter didn’t have to feel the pain she has seen in Courtney’s eyes since September 3rd. Imagine the pain of his siblings watching their strong older brother become weak. Imagine his friends and family, some of whom can picture Matt playing in the school yard. I, myself, can feel my heart break just by having Matt in my life as I planned their perfect day for the past year. Matt made a lasting impression on everyone in his life. His soft words, adorable smile, and huge heart are just a few traits that have built this man.
Update: Matt passed away at 3 a.m. on 9/06/2019. May you rest easy Matt. Fly high with the angels. Walk with Courtney every day from this day forward and give her the strength to get through the days ahead as you are laid to rest. We love you.
Organizer and beneficiary
Rae Tuff
Organizer
Fremont, NE
Theresa Macrander
Beneficiary