My best friend, Blake Mathis, has always been the kind of person who goes out of his way to help others, often putting their needs before his own. He’s been a constant in my life for many years, and anyone who knows him will tell you he's the first to lend a hand when someone’s in need. This past Father’s Day, Blake was helping his dad cut down a branch about 20 feet up in a tree on his dad's property. After making the initial cut, they tried using his dad's truck to pull the branch down, but the branch ended up bowing, which they didn’t notice. Pressed for time, Blake grabbed the chainsaw, climbed up the ladder just above the branch, and cut it. In an instant, the branch snapped back, sending the ladder flying about 4 feet with such force that it twisted the metal and hurled Blake into the air. All Blake could think to do in that moment was toss the chainsaw aside and brace himself for impact. He fell 20 feet, landing elbow-first onto the ladder. The result was devastating: four broken ribs, a lacerated spleen, and a shattered elbow.

Since the accident, Blake has undergone four surgeries and is still in the long process of recovery. After the second surgery, he developed a staph infection when some of the hardware in his elbow poked through his skin. He spent five days in the hospital, had a PICC line and portable IV for a month, and had a nurse visit daily to administer medications and clean his wounds. His fourth surgery involved removing most of the hardware, as the staph infection was clinging to the metal. Now, Blake has two metal rods on the outside of his arm held in place by six screws, and his road to recovery is far from over. On top of the physical pain and uncertainty, Blake has been unable to work for six months, which has made it even more difficult to cover mounting medical bills and everyday expenses.

I’m asking for your help to give Blake some relief of all that he has gone through. He is close to losing his car and getting disability has been a nightmare and nowhere near being granted. He’s always been there for others, and now he needs us. Your support will go directly toward his medical bills and help him with his car note while he recovers. Please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser—let’s give Blake the support he needs so he can focus on healing.