My Living Angel

Hello, for those of you that don't know me my name is Mayra Barajas. I am a nursing student at Wayne State University. Two weeks ago on August 28th, my neighbor Matt Z. and I were victims of a robbery and attempted carjacking. I was held at gunpoint in my driveway. Two males with guns were trying to steal my car. They must have noticed I was struggling to put a kids bike in the trunk of my car and they must have thought I was the perfect target. As I finished putting the kids bike in my back seat, since I couldn't fit it in the trunk, before me were two males with silver guns pointing at me. One of the males told me to give him my lanyard, which had my car keys. At that moment, I thought to myself, “My life is over. This is it, I’m going to die.” I frantically put both of my hands up and screamed with panic “Please don’t shoot me. Take what you want.” At that time, my neighbor and mother intervened. My neighbor saw the attacker through his blinds and banged on his window. At this time, the assailant that demanded my lanyard ripped my necklace off and ran off with the other suspect. As they were leaving the scene, my neighbor walked out on his front porch to intervene, but he was unaware that they were both armed. I heard 2 shots and by this time my mom was outside yelling for help; my neighbor Matt had been shot twice. My mom gave me her phone and I called 911 immediately. I ran up on his porch and saw him lying on his floor inside his house. There was blood all over the floor. I asked if he was okay and told him to keep pressure on the wound as I simultaneously spoke with the 911 dispatchers. The police and paramedics arrived and took Matt to the hospital with my mother as passenger. I stayed behind to give the officers my statement. The doctors said he had a broken clavicle, a few broken ribs, and some internal bleeding. He underwent surgery that same day and is now recouping. Unfortunately, Matt does not have healthcare insurance and will not be able to work for some time. He is now faced with tons of medical bills.

That day, Matt became my living guardian angel. If it weren't for him, only God knows what would have happened. Matt is a selfless, kind, caring, and intelligent man. I am beyond grateful to have him as one of my neighbors. This is why I am asking for your help! I know that no amount of money could ever compare to what he did for me by saving my life, but it could help him have one less worry. Please donate whatever you can even if it's just a few dollars; anything helps. I thank you all for your generosity. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.