Help Matt Gain Some Independence

On May 16th, 2012, Matt’s life was changed forever due to a mechanical failure while riding his dirt bike.  He sustained injuries from the accident to his spinal cord at C3-C4 levels, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down.  The road to recovery has been long and challenging.

Matt is well known for his sense of humor, spontaneity and his outgoing personality that everyone loves.  Most importantly, he loves his family, friends and is the proud father of his nine year old daughter, Hayden, who means the world to him.   Hayden lives out of state with her mother, but comes to Wisconsin to visit her dad often.   Matt resides with his parents in a ranch style home in the countryside. Their home was renovated to accommodate his disability.   Outside the home, there is forty acres of land owned by his family.  

Matt needs your help.  We are soliciting for donations to contribute to the purchase of a new track wheelchair, specifically, the Ripchair 3.0, that will allow him partake in more outdoor activities.  Ripchair 3.0 was created by Geoff and Michael Howe. Ripchair 3.0 is a rugged off-road machine that will allow those that need mobility assistance to personally experience the outdoors again.  (See video below)


For Matt, the new wheelchair will allow him to accompany Hayden as she rides her toys through the many hills and trails throughout the property.  In winter, Matt would be able to be out in the snow with her as she build’s her snowman or makes her snow angels, rather than watching from the window.  The new wheelchair would also allow Matt to accompany his dad as he hunts for deer and turkeys or fishes by the nearby pond.  His family also enjoys camping and lives two miles from the beaches of Lake Michigan.  Overcoming overwhelming hurdles and set-backs for a young 30 year-old, Matt still has a strong positive attitude and a desire to be active with family and friends.

 We’re thankful that there is the ability for Matt to drive a chair.  This new technology allows him to operate his chair independently.  However, the cost of this specialized medical equipment is very expensive.  Matt currently has a wheelchair for the home, but it is not suitable for outdoor off-trailing.  His insurance will not pay for a second wheelchair.  The total cost for the Ripchair 3.0 adapted specifically for him is $41,030.

You can help by donating and sharing on Matt’s GoFundMe page.  No donation is too large or small.  On behalf of Matt and his family, thank you in advance for your contribution.  The tremendous support of the community, family and friends allow Matt to live an as normal life as possible.