Get MATT ON THE MOVE

If you know me, you know that I don't like to ask for help, but the truth is, Matt and I need help. While I come to terms with and try to manage everything, it's become apparent that I needed to reach out and ask our friends and family for that help. I asked a friend to write something for me, as my head is still spinning:

The saying, "Life can change in the blink of an eye," is more than just words. On Saturday, April 23, 2022, Matt and Anna's lives changed in the blink of an eye. While Anna was at work, Matt set about doing the things he's always doing, whether it's to their house or helping out a friend or family member with handyman projects. Matt was on a ladder with his chainsaw, determined to take a limb off a tree. He began cutting this large limb. Matt mistakenly thought the large branch would just drop to the ground but it did not. The limb swung, hitting the ladder, knocking it out from under him, and he fell at least ten feet to the ground, suffering catastrophic injuries. He suffered broken vertebrae through all three columns; T8-T12, T10 and T11 were obliterated, and bone fragments were throughout his spine. Additionally, his spinal cord stretched and broke in two spots, causing a bleed and, even worse, spinal fluid to leak. Matt also cracked eight ribs, four on each side. On Sunday, April 24, 2022, he underwent a long 6-hour surgery to try to repair everything. After spending time in the ICU to stabilize, he has now been transferred to Rehab Institute of Michigan to help him, as they specialize in spinal cord injuries. At this time, Matt is Paralyzed from the waist down, a paraplegic. But these doctors don't know everything, and love and prayer are powerful tools! His family and friends believe, more importantly, Matt believes, that he will walk again! We believe in the power of prayer, and with powerful prayer and Matt's determination, he will get there!!!!

However, Matt and Anna need some help while he works hard on recovery and rehab, and Anna doesn't have much time to get things ready. While insurance covers a lot, there is so much it does not. To come home and continue outpatient rehab, he will be in a wheelchair, and their house is simply not conducive to this situation. Anna has to continue working as much as possible to keep things going when she isn't at his side and attend meetings with doctors and therapists. But there are costs involved in modifying the house for him to be able to get into a bedroom, the bathroom will have to be redone entirely so he is able to shower and transfer himself safely, they need ramps built so he can even get in and out of the house safely! There will be costs for Anna missing work when he first comes home; even with FMLA protecting her job, she won't be paid. Right now there is the gas money alone for her to drive back and forth to rehab daily and later to get Matt there. Another significant expense is a vehicle to transport him safely as well. If necessary, if rehab alone is not as effective as we all pray, he is a candidate for stem cell treatment, which insurance does not cover.

If you've spent any amount of time with Matt and Anna, you know that if you have a crisis, they're the first ones there. Anna will show up at the hospital, bring food to your house, and check in daily. She has sat with countless friends and family members in their time of need, putting her own life on hold to be there for someone else. Matt is the quintessential handyman, if it's broke and he can get there, with tool bag in hand, he's on his way....if he can't, he'll walk you through it on the phone. While Anna is sitting with you or your family, Matt is holding down the fort and pouring into Anna so she can pour into you, and he's praying the whole time. Now they need help. ANY amount will help, their lives have been changed forever and there are going to be some bills in addition to all of these modifications that must be done to their home.

Let's get MATT ON THE MOVE and help them meet and navigate some of these obstacles!