I understand that you are a busy with much wanting your time and attention so I respectfully ask you for a moment of your time to hear my story about my son and all I have to offer is my appreciation and Thank You.

Life has a way of being full of surprises, and we have seen our share. In November 2020, Matt had a stroke, which left him with the loss of the use of the left side of his body. He cannot use his left arm or hand, which has left him in horrific pain constantly without any relief. He drags his left foot when he walks, which makes walking a struggle, it is difficult to chew or swallow on the left side. Matt was released from physical therapy and told that everything was great; he could return to work, and by doing so, this would help him regain more use of the left side of his body. But things got worse, not better, and Three months after Matt's stroke, his dad passed away with no warning. He woke in the morning, not feeling well, and was taken to the hospital. By the end of the day, he had passed away. Matt was devastated by his death. Matt worked in the family tree business with his dad and followed him around as a little boy, going to work and doing anything he could to help and work alongside his dad. Now, his dad was gone when he needed him the most.

Within the next 2 years life dealt out 2 more blows Matt’s right hand was crushed while trying to work construction, welding and he broke his back riding a bike trying to stay active.

Through all of this, Matthew refused to give up. I watched him learn how to climb and cut trees safely despite his limitations. As thrilled as he was, the pain and exhaustion were too much for him to work and make a living doing it. He continued trying to work and doing jobs here and there. Still, you can't rebuild a business when you are unable to say, 'I will be there' as much as he wanted to; his body wouldn't cooperate. So he got a job delivering parts for a company for 6 months he killed himself trying to always be at work they had hired him, they needed him to be there each day, but again his body was in horrific pain, he wasn't sleeping and forcing himself to get up get to a job on time work 8 hours was killing him physically and emotionally, he found himself depressed, in horrific pain, loosing the battle he was fighting. He finally told his employer Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. It is not fair for me not to be here to work when you need me, and I am unable to meet the time you require.

I have watched life take everything from my Son this strong, athletic, hard working young man who was up at 5 am and out the door working in our tree business which is challenging physical work, you know you have worked after you spend a day climbing trees, running chain saws, cutting up and lifting logs, chipping, raking, and driving to the next job to do it again. He loved working in the business with his dad and enjoyed riding his motorcycle. I was always terrified he would get hurt. During the winter months, he would pull out his snowboard and hit the mountains. Again, I worried he would get hurt, and yet none of these things he loved to do ever caused him harm. He was strong, active, and loving life. I have watched him fight to hang on to life, climbing trees, riding motorcycles, and doing the things he loves. Still, day by day, I have watched him lose everything, starting with his left arm and hand, his dad, the business they shared and loved, his right hand, his motorcycle, working, the horrific pain, the inability to sleep, and the exhaustion he feels constantly. He couldn't do it anymore.

Through all of this, I have prayed and looked for things that could help Matt, improve his health, take the pain away, give him movement, and then one day Matt came to me excited. He had watched a program on 60 Minutes, and it was amazing what they were doing to help those who had had a stroke. Just the relief from pain would be a miracle. Since we watched that program we have researched, talked to and began trying to find a way to get Matt there, There is nothing more vital for me than to help my son find a way back to being able to live his life, to get up in the morning and go to work, to hop on a bike and go for a ride, or hit the side of a mountain, To be able to live without horrific pain and to sleep and wake up ready to hit the day. It is the little things in life that become so important to us when we lose our health, to watch someone you love suffer horribly, to see their tears, their struggles, and the frustration of not being able to help them.

My husband told me I'm use to being able to go out and work harder to fix our problems. Still, I can't work hard enough to fix these problems; there is nothing I can do to fix and make all this better.

I have found something that we believe can help Matt and make a difference in his life. My Scottie is not here to work hard with me to get him there. I need help, and family and friends have been amazing in their support to help us get Matt this medical help, to help me get Matt out of this horrific pain he endures every day.

Institute of Neurological Recovery

Dr. Tobinick invented this Anti-inflammatory treatment for stroke recovery and Alzheimer’s disease at the INR. He discovered that dormant brain circuits can be reactivated even years after a stroke or brain injury.

Sadly, this is not covered by insurance and must be paid for in full by the patient. Treatment is only available in Florida.

I am deeply grateful to everyone and for everything they have done to help, but there is still much ground to cover, and we need more assistance to get Matt there.

My daughter said it perfectly, those who know us know we were not very good at asking for help, their dad taught them, she says, to figure it out until the next job comes, to carry their own and trust God.

It is our hope and prayer that you might help us reach our goal of getting Matt to Florida and securing the treatment that has shown remarkable results. A gift of any amount can make a difference.

To donate, click the link. Please also share his fundraiser link with your family, friends, and other contacts.

Alone, this journey is overwhelming and feels impossible, but together, everyone doing what they can, I know we can get Matt this treatment.

I have prayed every day for Matthew that God will heal him, that He would give me wisdom and show me what to do. I know God is in all things and that He will help us reach the destination.

Scripture reminds me daily, Psalm 27:14, to be strong and let my heart take courage, to wait on the Lord. and Isaiah 40:31, my favorite scripture, tells me that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will walk and not grow faint".

Consultation $ 500.00

Each Injection $8,000.00 +

Trans to Florida and Home $ 1,200.00

Housing in Florida for 8 days $1,200.00

Transportation in Florida $ 260.00

Gas $ 200.00

Food for 8 days, two people $ 160.00

We have been told from our initial conversation that Matt would possibly require 3 or more injections.

I didn't know much about GoFundMe until today, when I started this process. If you're like me and don't know much about it, here's what I learned: the service charges a 2.9 percent transaction fee and $0.30 for each donation. Thank you for taking the time to look at all of this with us.

Words cannot express how grateful I am for any support you can provide.

Laurie O Van Dam