- A
- K
UPDATES AVAILABLE AT THE BOTTOM OF THREAD AS THEY COME
Hi, my name is Emily, and I’m reaching out during one of the most difficult moments of our lives. My son’s father Matthew, an incredible, devoted dad to our 10-year-old, Felix, is currently in the hospital at UCSF Medical Center after experiencing stroke-like symptoms. After multiple MRIs, doctors have found concerning abnormalities, and he has been transferred from Bakersfield to UCSF for specialized care. Right now, we don’t have clear answers, only that this is serious and could be a long and uncertain medical battle. He is self-employed as a tattoo artist, which means if he can’t work, there is no income coming in. And right now, he can’t work. The same hands that have created meaningful, lasting artwork for so many people are now the reason we’re here, fighting for answers and hoping for recovery. If you have ever worn his work, supported his art, or sat in his chair, you know the kind of person he is, and how much of himself he pours into what he does. We just want to see him healthy enough to get back to doing what he loves. At the same time, expenses are only increasing, medical care, travel, and basic living costs. I am doing everything I can to support him while also caring for our son and managing life at home. His mother is elderly and unable to travel, and we don’t currently have the financial ability to stay near him during this critical time.
He is not just important to us, he is our family. He is a loving father, my best friend, and someone who shows up for the people he loves every single day. We are asking for help to:
* Cover lost income while he is unable to work
* Help with medical and living expenses
* Allow me, Felix, and his mother to travel and stay near him during treatment when needed
* Reduce the overwhelming stress so he can focus on healing
If you’re able to donate, any amount truly helps. If you’re not in a place to give, we completely understand—sharing this or keeping him in your thoughts and prayers means just as much. Felix needs his dad. We need our friend and family! Thank you for showing up for him the way he has always shown up for others.
—Emily, Jack, Hope & Felix
Update! In only one day we have fundraisers more than I thought possible, things are still very serious, however i was Able to get Matthew's mother a hotel room for one week. I plan to take Felix to see his dad as soon as we have a better picture of what we are up against.
UPDATE AS OF MAY 11th
Medical Update on Matt First,
we want to thank everyone who has donated, shared, prayed, checked in, and supported our family during this unimaginable time. The love surrounding Matt has been overwhelming in the best possible way. Matt recently underwent extensive spinal surgery at UCSF to remove a mass from his spinal cord. During surgery, doctors encountered unexpected complications, including spontaneous bleeding, and he remains under extremely close monitoring in the ICU. At this time, Matt remains in the ICU and is still intubated/on a ventilator while doctors work to prevent further bleeding. While hearing those words is terrifying, the ventilator is currently the safest option to allow his brain and body to rest while doctors continue monitoring him closely and searching for answers. Doctors are now investigating possible vasculitis, vasculopathy, or another underlying autoimmune/vascular condition that could explain the spontaneous bleeding. Matt has been lightly brought out of sedation at times and IS responding to commands, which is encouraging. However, he currently has weakness/loss of function on his left side, and doctors have told us recovery could be a very long road that may take many months. Right now, Matt’s condition is considered critical but stable according to the neurosurgical team. The financial burden continues growing rapidly between ICU care, travel, hotel stays for family ( which cost more than $1000 a week for just one room in the least expensive room in town) near UCSF, lost work/income, future rehabilitation needs, and the uncertainty of how long recovery will take. Please continue sharing, praying, donating if able, and keeping Matt in your thoughts. We truly cannot express how grateful we are for this community and the support you’ve shown our family.
Hi, my name is Emily, and I’m reaching out during one of the most difficult moments of our lives. My son’s father Matthew, an incredible, devoted dad to our 10-year-old, Felix, is currently in the hospital at UCSF Medical Center after experiencing stroke-like symptoms. After multiple MRIs, doctors have found concerning abnormalities, and he has been transferred from Bakersfield to UCSF for specialized care. Right now, we don’t have clear answers, only that this is serious and could be a long and uncertain medical battle. He is self-employed as a tattoo artist, which means if he can’t work, there is no income coming in. And right now, he can’t work. The same hands that have created meaningful, lasting artwork for so many people are now the reason we’re here, fighting for answers and hoping for recovery. If you have ever worn his work, supported his art, or sat in his chair, you know the kind of person he is, and how much of himself he pours into what he does. We just want to see him healthy enough to get back to doing what he loves. At the same time, expenses are only increasing, medical care, travel, and basic living costs. I am doing everything I can to support him while also caring for our son and managing life at home. His mother is elderly and unable to travel, and we don’t currently have the financial ability to stay near him during this critical time.
He is not just important to us, he is our family. He is a loving father, my best friend, and someone who shows up for the people he loves every single day. We are asking for help to:
* Cover lost income while he is unable to work
* Help with medical and living expenses
* Allow me, Felix, and his mother to travel and stay near him during treatment when needed
* Reduce the overwhelming stress so he can focus on healing
If you’re able to donate, any amount truly helps. If you’re not in a place to give, we completely understand—sharing this or keeping him in your thoughts and prayers means just as much. Felix needs his dad. We need our friend and family! Thank you for showing up for him the way he has always shown up for others.
—Emily, Jack, Hope & Felix
Update! In only one day we have fundraisers more than I thought possible, things are still very serious, however i was Able to get Matthew's mother a hotel room for one week. I plan to take Felix to see his dad as soon as we have a better picture of what we are up against.
UPDATE AS OF MAY 11th
Medical Update on Matt First,
we want to thank everyone who has donated, shared, prayed, checked in, and supported our family during this unimaginable time. The love surrounding Matt has been overwhelming in the best possible way. Matt recently underwent extensive spinal surgery at UCSF to remove a mass from his spinal cord. During surgery, doctors encountered unexpected complications, including spontaneous bleeding, and he remains under extremely close monitoring in the ICU. At this time, Matt remains in the ICU and is still intubated/on a ventilator while doctors work to prevent further bleeding. While hearing those words is terrifying, the ventilator is currently the safest option to allow his brain and body to rest while doctors continue monitoring him closely and searching for answers. Doctors are now investigating possible vasculitis, vasculopathy, or another underlying autoimmune/vascular condition that could explain the spontaneous bleeding. Matt has been lightly brought out of sedation at times and IS responding to commands, which is encouraging. However, he currently has weakness/loss of function on his left side, and doctors have told us recovery could be a very long road that may take many months. Right now, Matt’s condition is considered critical but stable according to the neurosurgical team. The financial burden continues growing rapidly between ICU care, travel, hotel stays for family ( which cost more than $1000 a week for just one room in the least expensive room in town) near UCSF, lost work/income, future rehabilitation needs, and the uncertainty of how long recovery will take. Please continue sharing, praying, donating if able, and keeping Matt in your thoughts. We truly cannot express how grateful we are for this community and the support you’ve shown our family.