This is Matthew Gleason. He had a massive stroke on November 5, 2010, when he was 17 years old. Matthew is now 23 years old and still has symtoms of the stroke. He still has long lasting impairments due to the severity of his stroke. This includes the aphasia (issues with his speech) and right side paralysis (can't use his right hand or arm) and walks with a impaired gait with the assistance of a custom made orthotic. Despite the fact that he has no use of his right arm, it does cause him a significant amount of pain and discomfort and he works hard to reduce the pain and stiffness due to the right arm paralysis. Matthew is on disability (as he can not work due to the speech and non use of his right side) which is a very small amount of money to live on. There is a new shot out that his insurance does not pay for and is very expensive. Matthew needs two of these shots and we have to travel to California to do them. We are only trying to raise the money to cover the cost of the shots. He is working very hard to raise the money by doing yard work for friends and family. Matthew has worked very hard to get his speech back and use of his right hand and arm. He does therapy and works at speaking on a regular basis.
It's hard to describe the impact this stroke has had on a once healthly young man's life and the diffculties he has had to go through to endure. We realize this shot is not a cure, but it has the potential to help him with his speech and movement on his right side and reduce his pain and discomfort.
As a parent, this has been a difficult thing to watch your child suffer through and realize that you are helpless. I am hopeful that this shot will help reduce his pain and discomfort and help him to communicate better and improve his quality of life.
We are very grateful for any help you can provide. My challenge to you is to give up one cup of coffee, one bottle of soda or a lunch out to help Matt reach his goal of getting the shots.
Thank you all very much. We all greatly appreciate your help.
Matt's Family
It's hard to describe the impact this stroke has had on a once healthly young man's life and the diffculties he has had to go through to endure. We realize this shot is not a cure, but it has the potential to help him with his speech and movement on his right side and reduce his pain and discomfort.
As a parent, this has been a difficult thing to watch your child suffer through and realize that you are helpless. I am hopeful that this shot will help reduce his pain and discomfort and help him to communicate better and improve his quality of life.
We are very grateful for any help you can provide. My challenge to you is to give up one cup of coffee, one bottle of soda or a lunch out to help Matt reach his goal of getting the shots.
Thank you all very much. We all greatly appreciate your help.
Matt's Family