Aid Matt’s Journey to Health and Independence

On Friday, March 21st, my father suffered a heart attack and received cardiac catheterization that following Monday. Prior to this, he had suffered breathing issues for weeks, writing it off as a slight cold that would hopefully get better. We would come to find out that wasn't the case.

A week later on Saturday, he had a stroke due to a blood clot on the right side of his brain that currently leaves him partially paralyzed on his left side. Doctors have shared that an ongoing abnormal heart rhythm leaves his heart weak, possibly caused by a virus or high blood pressure. The doctors believe this induced his heart attack and stroke and are treating it accordingly. Despite all of this information, we are slowly understanding the extent of the stroke's effect on his brain and body. Every day, we are learning and planning more with positivity and love. He is currently being closely monitored at the University of Vermont Medical Center.

My family is looking at a somewhat overwhelming and long journey ahead with most of his time spent in Vermont at UVM’s neurological unit and Fanny Allen Rehabilitation Facility, which will help him regain strength in his heart, the ability to walk, use of his left arm and any other neurological issues.

Growing up, my father has always been fiercely independent and active. He spent most of his time outside, working in our yard, riding around town blasting his favorite tunes, fishing, telling stories and sharing laughs by a fire, or spending hours working on his Ford Broncos.

He recently retired four months ago after 30 years of service for the Village of Tupper Lake and was looking forward to his empty schedule, allowing him to work on his other passions such as travel, graphic design, and coding, as well as spending time with his family and grandson. No matter what, my father constantly keeps himself busy in the beautiful landscape of the Adirondacks.

So my family and I are asking you, our community, to help us support him with the costs. Your support would help us regain his physical and mental strength to enjoy his newfound retirement and grandfatherhood.

We are fundraising to cover the medical and rehabilitation costs for my father.