Fire Relief Fund for Michael Matison
Donation protected
On Wednesday, August 19th my dear friend Michael Matison fled for his life as the Santa Cruz mountains raged in flames toward his property. Michael was able to leave with only the clothes on his back, his three dogs and his cockatoo on his shoulder.
Below is Michael's account of the events that led to the total destruction of his property, animals and all physical possessions he owned.
Just as darkness fell over Michael's property with the sky glowing red (no flames were visible at this point and Michael had checked in with the fire department earlier in the day), he received a frantic phone call from a neighbor's daughter begging him to help to get her 80 year old mother out of the path of the fire. Michael immediately went into action to help this woman instead of even thinking about himself or his property. Once Michael got the elderly woman to safety (to a vehicle that was leaving on Last Chance Road), he returned home to realize it was too late to save his own ranch, horses and his property. Only having time to release his horses and peacocks, Michael raced to his house to get his companion, Mikaela Smith, his beloved bird and three large dogs, who he considers his children.
Michael jumped on his ATV and headed down his road to only run into exploding, falling trees of fire. At that point Michael knew he had to leave the ATV and flee on foot. After a terrifying 3 mile hike that took over 3 hours on a narrow rocky trail with flames on both sides, Michael with his bird on his shoulder, Mikaela and 3 dogs in tow, made it to Big Basin headquarters were they surprised trapped firefighters when they walked out of the flames. The firefighters couldn't believe their eyes that Michael had emerged from the flames with his animals as the firefighters and several engines were trapped. They spent several hours with the firefighters all waiting to be rescued. At this time there were flames within 10 feet of Michael and and the firefighters. I neglected to mention Michael is 76 years of age.
Luckily for Michael, Mikaela and the firefighters, a bulldozer was able to clear a path for them to escape the walls of fire.
Michael is the most loving, giving and kind-hearted person that only comes along once in a lifetime. At this point Michael only has the clothes he left with and his trusty flashlight that he always carries. This little Defiant Flashlight literally saved Michael's life as he hiked to safety.
Let's come together as a community and show Michael and Mikaela how much they means to us. At this time Michael literally needs everything to rebuild his life. Over the past few days he has jumped through many exhausting hoops trying to put back together his life without even a single form of ID!
Every little amount adds up and every dollar makes a difference! All funds will go directly to Michael to help rebuild his life. At this point, Michael does not know if he will be able to return to his property to rebuild.
I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on Michael's situation.
Shanna O'Brien
Capitola, CA
Below is Michael's account of the events that led to the total destruction of his property, animals and all physical possessions he owned.
Just as darkness fell over Michael's property with the sky glowing red (no flames were visible at this point and Michael had checked in with the fire department earlier in the day), he received a frantic phone call from a neighbor's daughter begging him to help to get her 80 year old mother out of the path of the fire. Michael immediately went into action to help this woman instead of even thinking about himself or his property. Once Michael got the elderly woman to safety (to a vehicle that was leaving on Last Chance Road), he returned home to realize it was too late to save his own ranch, horses and his property. Only having time to release his horses and peacocks, Michael raced to his house to get his companion, Mikaela Smith, his beloved bird and three large dogs, who he considers his children.
Michael jumped on his ATV and headed down his road to only run into exploding, falling trees of fire. At that point Michael knew he had to leave the ATV and flee on foot. After a terrifying 3 mile hike that took over 3 hours on a narrow rocky trail with flames on both sides, Michael with his bird on his shoulder, Mikaela and 3 dogs in tow, made it to Big Basin headquarters were they surprised trapped firefighters when they walked out of the flames. The firefighters couldn't believe their eyes that Michael had emerged from the flames with his animals as the firefighters and several engines were trapped. They spent several hours with the firefighters all waiting to be rescued. At this time there were flames within 10 feet of Michael and and the firefighters. I neglected to mention Michael is 76 years of age.
Luckily for Michael, Mikaela and the firefighters, a bulldozer was able to clear a path for them to escape the walls of fire.
Michael is the most loving, giving and kind-hearted person that only comes along once in a lifetime. At this point Michael only has the clothes he left with and his trusty flashlight that he always carries. This little Defiant Flashlight literally saved Michael's life as he hiked to safety.
Let's come together as a community and show Michael and Mikaela how much they means to us. At this time Michael literally needs everything to rebuild his life. Over the past few days he has jumped through many exhausting hoops trying to put back together his life without even a single form of ID!
Every little amount adds up and every dollar makes a difference! All funds will go directly to Michael to help rebuild his life. At this point, Michael does not know if he will be able to return to his property to rebuild.
I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on Michael's situation.
Shanna O'Brien
Capitola, CA
Organizer
Shanna Ulrich O'Brien
Organizer
Capitola, CA
