Matthew Brown is a 23-year-old from the United States who travelled to New Zealand alongside his close friend Aidan Scott to compete on the Disc Golf Tour Down Under.

On Sunday, January 18, just hours before the final round of the Australasian Open Disc Golf Championships in Taupō, New Zealand, Matthew suffered a series of seizures and was rushed to Taupō District Hospital. Doctors quickly identified a severe and dangerous heart rhythm issue, with Matthew’s heart rate spiking as high as 200–300 beats per minute for extended periods. He was admitted to ICU and urgently airlifted by helicopter to Rotorua Hospital, before being transferred to Waikato Regional Hospital, where he remains under intensive care.

Since being admitted, Matthew’s heart rate has consistently averaged above 150 bpm, and despite multiple interventions — including medication and attempts to electrically reset his heart — the condition has persisted. Doctors have now determined that Matthew requires urgent heart surgery, including advanced imaging and a cardiac ablation procedure to correct abnormal electrical pathways in his heart. This surgery is expected to take place in the coming days.

Thankfully, Matthew’s medical treatment is covered by his health and travel insurance. However, his mother, Karen, is now flying from the United States to New Zealand to be by his side as he undergoes heart surgery and recovery — a journey no parent ever expects to make.

We are asking for the generous support of the disc golf community and beyond to help cover unexpected costs not covered by insurance, including:

Doctors expect Matthew will need to remain in New Zealand for 2–4 weeks while he recovers and stabilises before he is cleared to fly home to the United States. During this time, he will not be able to compete and will be fully focused on his recovery.

Despite everything, Matthew has remained positive, grateful, and focused on getting healthy — even sending messages of encouragement to fellow competitors while navigating ICU care and major medical decisions.

Any contribution, big or small, will make a meaningful difference in easing the financial burden on Matthew and his family during this incredibly challenging and unexpected time. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page is just as appreciated.

Thank you for standing with Matthew and the Brown family during his recovery.