ERIC MATAGE STORY OF INSPIRATION

My name is Jack Kresl and I am the organizer of this GoFundMe on behalf of Eric Matage. I met Eric this last semester at Miami University and was inspired by his determination, positive mindset, and friendship. Originally from Tanzania, Eric made the brave decision to travel to the United States to pursue his Masters in Computer Science despite severe physical limitations. Eric was born with Cerebral Palsy which greatly affects his day to day operations. His current housing situation, medical equipment, and support system do not adequately allow Eric to perform academically. Any donation will greatly help Eric with basic essentials and allow him to complete his Masters degree at Miami University.

Below Eric has a complete writeup of his story and what type of products/donations will best meet his accommodations. I hope the Miami University community can come together and make a difference for a student who is truly deserving of a fair opportunity. Thank you for your consideration and donations. All proceeds will go directly to Eric Matage.

My name is Eric Matage, a person with physical disability (paralysis) originally from Tanzania pursuing a Masters degree in Computer Science at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. I came to America in August 2023 after securing an International Grant in Aid. This grant strictly covers tuition; other miscellaneous fees (such as accommodations, health insurance, food expenses) are not provided.

For the fall semester of 2023 I lived in a residence hall on the Miami University campus. These accommodations were ADA (American Disability Act) compliant which made travel much easier for me. Unfortunately, these residence halls are very expensive. Costs for these residence halls were close to $9,500 which I wasn’t able to pay on my own. Through Miami’s alumni association, I was able to receive financial aid that helped pay for a portion of these costs. I have also relied on the good graces of friends and relatives to help pay for my expenses.

Unfortunately, the support I received from the University was a one time payment, so I was forced to find other ways of cutting down costs. I moved off campus into independent housing which drastically lowered my cost of living. This new arrangement is not ADA friendly and is difficult to live in. I have to crawl from my room up two stairs to get to my wheelchair at the door. My apartment is not furnished and is not currently fully functional for a disabled person like myself. I can’t reach the level of the cooking stove and have to pull myself up to use this equipment which is exhausting. I am not able to hold myself up for long.

I have tirelessly tried to find an on-campus job to help cover my expenses, but have not had any success. My physical limitations along with my status as an international student only allow me to do so much.

My time at Miami University has been extremely difficult both financially and physically, which has affected my ability to perform academically at my highest level. Much of my day is spent calling people, applying for certain scholarships, and trying to acquire resources that will allow me to live comfortably. But nevertheless, that hasn’t made me forget what brought me to Miami University and my strong desire to complete my Masters program.

With two semesters remaining till graduation, I desperately need financial assistance to complete my Masters program. My expenses are listed below as well as materials that will benefit my standard of living. Thank you so much for taking the time to read about my story and your potential donation.

Large Expenses:

Health insurance-$3,000 per academic year

$4,700-miscellaneous expenses (Including out of state costs)

Rent + utilities-$800/month

Food-$150/month

Missing essentials for Apartment:

Bar height chairs (Accessible which will allow me to cook)

Cooking utensil set (including pots and pans)

Queen sized bed frame

Toilet cleaning materials

Soaps for bathing

Laundry Materials

May the Almighty bless you abundantly.

Additional GoFundMe Information:

This fundraiser is strictly for Eric Matage. All proceeds will be used to help assist with his living accommodations and other necessary needs. I (Jack Kresl) am initially collecting the money in an independent account before being transferred to assist Eric. This money is going to be used for assisted living devices such as a wheel chair ramp, supportive chairs, and apartment essentials. Furthermore, some of this money will be used to help Eric receive a new AFO (Ankle-Foot orthoses). I am currently trying to find a Cerebral Palsy organization is the Cincinnati area that will match the donation of this GoFundMe. I am working through Miami University as a support system.

Best regards,

Eric Matage.