Help Jess and Matt Carroll Overcome Amputation Challenges

Dear friends, family, and compassionate strangers,

I am reaching out today to share the story of my friend and coworker Jess Carroll and her family. Her husband Matt is a hardworking, kind-hearted man who recently experienced a life changing event that has left him facing an uncertain future. Matt has always been a pillar of strength for those around him, but now he needs our support more than ever.

In 2018, Matt suffered a work-related accident. His right leg was crushed by an electric pallet jack. He required surgery to have a titanium rod placed in his leg and was left with nerve damage that forced him to adjust to life with severe nerve pain. There were certainly challenges, but he was able to live his life and was doing well. However, a few years later, the pain caused him to need an amputation of his toes and part of his foot. At this point, Matt believed the worst was over and he was adjusting well.

Last fall, Matt developed a wound that would not heal despite treatment. By spring the wound was getting worse and he was referred to the wound clinic. They treated him with antibiotics and referred him back to the orthopedic surgeon who ordered a bone scan. This scan revealed a severe infection in the bone called osteomyelitis. He was then treated by infectious disease and his team was working hard to save his leg. Matt and Jess believed he was out of the woods.

Despite following all treatment recommendations, on August 7th Matt woke Jess up in the middle of the night shaking violently with chills and pain. They rushed to the hospital and learned the infection had spread to his blood. He was diagnosed with sepsis. The team had to work fast to save Matt's life and in less than 12 hours his leg was amputated just below the knee.

Matt remains in the hospital but soon will be transferred to a rehabilitation hospital where they will begin preparing his leg for a prosthesis. He will be faced with the challenges of undergoing extensive rehab, adapting to life with a prosthetic limb, and dealing with the emotional and psychological toll of his amputation. Matt has always been a fighter, but the road ahead is long and full of obstacles.

Their world changed overnight and the financial burden on Matt and his family has been overwhelming. The medical bills, cost of the prosthetic, and ongoing rehabilitation are just the beginning. The loss of income has added to the strain as Matt will be unable to work for at least a year, potentially longer. They have two children at home and will be living off of only one income. Neither child is able to drive due to their own health issues, so transportation for everyone will also fall to his wife Jess. She has been his rock throughout this ordeal and is doing everything she can to support the family, but the reality is they need support.

I am raising funds to support Matt, Jess and the rest of the family during this incredibly difficult time. Your generous donations will go towards:

-Medical bills and ongoing treatments

-Physical therapy and rehab

-Prosthetic limb costs

-Home modifications to accommodate his new needs

-Basic living expenses as Matt adjusts to his new reality

Matt and Jess have always been the ones to lend a hand to others in need and now it's our turn to help them. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in their life. If you're unable to donate, please help by sharing this campaign with your network to help spread the word.

Matt and Jess are determined to rebuild their lives, and with your support, they can overcome this unimaginable challenge. Let's come together to show Matt, Jess, and their kids that they are not alone in this fight.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and support.

Sincerely,

Tara Richard