Continuing a Legacy of Love Through Memorial Art

Continuing a Legacy of Love Through Memorial Art — With Your Support

Hi, my name is Matthew or “TooTall”, and I wanted to share a little bit of my journey with you. In July of 2024, I underwent major back surgery to repair a severely pinched spinal cord. I went into it hopefully believing that I would heal and return to a normal life. Unfortunately, my surgery became what doctors call a “failed back surgery,” and my life has changed in ways I never expected.

Even with a beautiful wheelchair gifted to me by my medical team, I can no longer sit upright for more than a few hours at a time without needing to lie flat to relieve the pressure on my spine. After working as a Community Manager for over 30 years, I realized that going back to a job was no longer possible for me.

Right now, like many others facing medical hardships, I find myself caught in government limbo. Sadly, it’s very common for first-time applications for long-term disability through Social Security to be denied. I am currently in the process of appealing the decision, but it may take a year or more before I am able to present my case before an administrative law judge. While I wait, I’m doing everything I can to continue creating meaningful art and supporting myself through this challenging time.

I’ve been a ceramicist for 30 years. After getting sober in 1995 (thank you, God), ceramics became my therapy, my calling, and my way of giving back to the world. Your support and donation helps me continue creating tributes that honor life, love, and memory.

Your kindness allows me to continue doing what I love — making art that carries love, remembrance, and healing into the world.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading my story.

Thank you for believing in what I create.

Thank you for helping me keep going.