In early July, the flag football community almost came to a standstill. We got word from the Reimel family that Matt had been rushed to the ER for what most likely was going to turn out to be an emergency open heart surgery. This turned out to be true. Matt entered surgery at the age of just 33 on Thursday July 8th around 8am to repair his aortic valve and remove an aneurysm.  His team was led by none other than Dr. Joseph E. Bavaria, MD of University of Penn. We knew he was in great hands. The surgery went better than planned. Matt was on the fast track back to being the nations top tournament director. His rehabilitation consists of months of p.t. and extreme measures to prevent any unnecessary complications. Clearance to be able to drive, practice sports with his children, or lift anything greater than 5lbs would come with time and rest. 

Immediately after being cleared, Matt began to return to his normal life. Tossing a ball around, leading and developing up and coming tournament directors and being able to drive again. Until Wednesday 9/16/2020 when he was sent to the hospital for chest pains. From the ER, he was medivacked to Abington Hospital. Turned out to be a false alarm, however the fear was real. After being discharged, the bills began rolling in. The initial visit surpassed the amount of $5,000 in out of pocket expenses.  The bills from the second visit have not arrived yet, however they're sure to be large.

Anyone who knows Matt, knows he would help any person in need. But now Matt needs us. Chances are, if you played, attended, etc. any form of flag football in the northeastern region of the country, he most likely had something to do with it. He has helped thousands of people and I am asking those same people, if they are willing and able, to help Matt. 

The family will be given all proceeds and Matt has asked that anything in excess of the amount of his past due bills, be paid to a charity/organization closely related to his condition.