Send love to the Escue's ❤️

Hi family and friends ❤️ For those of you who know me, you know how difficult it is for me to ask for support. But here I am ... asking for support, prayers, and love for our family.

On Thursday January 5th, my husband and best friend Matt had a massive stroke and was rushed to the emergency room. Within one hour of his arrival, we found out he had 2 blood clots in his brain and he needed surgery immediately. While he has thankfully been able to regain some mobility, he is not able to speak.

Yesterday, we learned the likely cause of his stroke, a 2cm blood clot in his heart. This poses many problems and risks since he has a defibrillator in his heart and suffers from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We are still in the "wait and see" phase as the specialists figure out the next steps.

Matt has been the main source of support for us over the years as I work towards my

Ph.D. since 2015. I am finally at the finish line and hope to graduate this May. Thankfully, and amazingly, I will begin a tenure track assistant professor position at the University of North Carolina, Pembroke this Fall 2023. While amazing news, we still have 6 months to go before the big move. Between writing my dissertation, teaching, tutoring, and caring for our two children, I just am unable to take on another job at this time.

Matt will have a long road to recovery and will require rehab and support. We appreciate all prayers and any financial support you feel you can provide. Any amount will help alleviate financial stress as Matt recovers and we prepare for our move to North Carolina in July.

We love you all ❤️

Love,

Matt, Mel, Ayden, and Baby Jerry