Two weeks ago, Matthew was driving back to his apartment after cheering on his beloved Carolina Hurricanes against the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoff Series. Someone hit him, sending him off the side of the highway, down a ditch, hitting a palm tree head-on, and flipping his new truck four times. The police officer, first on the scene, said he didn't expect to find anyone alive when he reached the truck. He is certainly very fortunate to be alive! Thank God for seat belts, air bags, a sturdy truck and God's plan. Matthew has been in the hospital and had two surgeries on his leg and lots of stitches to close a deep gash on his arm. Thankfully, he had his autographed Aho jersey to use as a tourniquet and the ability to apply it. He has a long road ahead with at least 6-8 weeks of no weight bearing on his leg. Then, lots of physical therapy to get him back walking.

Unfortunately, the driver that hit him has no insurance, so he will not be getting any compensation from him. Matthew's job is hourly wage, plus tips, and standing eight hours a day. He will be out of work for at least four months and most likely longer. Since he had not been there a year yet, he also has no vacation time or other benefits and no guarantee of a job when he has recovered. In the meantime, he still has rent to pay, medical bills piling up and he has been trying to save money to help pay for his MBA at University of Miami, that he is starting in the Fall. This is an awful lot for a young man, just a year out of college. He would greatly appreciate any support you can offer him.

And, if anyone has a connection to the Carolina Hurricanes that could help him get another autographed Aho jersey, that would be amazing and would certainly lift his spirits.