The Mat Rowley Family Medical Fund
Donation protected
UPDATE from Liz:
I'm sorry it's been so long since the last update. Mat is still at Shirley Ryan Rehab Center. It has been a very long road and he continues to progress all the time. His strength continues to amaze me. He now wheels himself around the 25th floor... getting into trouble every chance he can! He definitely has the strength to walk, but his balance still needs improvement. He is a favorite of the therapists. He sure knows when to turn on the charm, as those who know him are well aware.
His ability to communicate is showing signs of return, especially in the last couple of weeks. He is using more and more words when he wants something. He's beginning to understand more and more as well. He certainly has no problems communicating his frustration... Swears like a sailor when he's not happy!
Sometime in the next couple of weeks he will be moving to a new facility, Rehab Without Walls. There he will continue his daily therapies with the goal of transitioning to home, where he will then start outpatient therapy.
The ups and downs have been exhausting, but every week of continued improvement reassures me that Mathew will eventually come out of this. Even though at every turn I was told this was going to be a marathon, it has been a longer road than I ever anticipated. And there's still a lot of work ahead.
Thank you all for continuing to keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I can't wait until he is able to thank you all himself.
-Liz
_______________________________________________
Birthday update from Alex: Mathew has been in rehab for a few weeks now and has made some great progress. Physically he's doing really well thanks to how strong he was before the accident.
His cognitive recovery is going to be a longer road. He's having difficulty with communication due to aphasia, which is a complication from his brain injury, but he's taking strides and improving every day. We know he's a fighter and stubborn as hell. He won't let anything stand in his way.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to send something to him. It means the world knowing so many people care about him and can't wait to see him back on his feet.
Happy birthday, bro. Love you.
______________________________
BIG UPDATE from Alex:
As expected, Mathew is crushing it in therapy. They have been impressed with his progress already, so much so that they're getting even more aggressive than they originally planned.
A lot of you have asked about sending things his way. I'm happy to say we're ready to start having you do just that. Judging by the outreach we've seen already I anticipate a lot of stuff will be coming. We want to avoid his room getting too cluttered so please try to keep it to cards and/or small things you think he'd enjoy.
He will also be moving around a lot within the facility so to avoid having things go to the wrong place please send things either to my parents or my address. We are there every day and will make sure he gets everything you send.
Parents address:
Mathew Rowley
C/O Liz & Paul Rowley
23465 N. Overhill Dr.
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
My address:
Mathew Rowley
C/O Alex Rowley
1422 E. Lowden Ave.
Wheaton, IL 60189
I can't wait to see everything he gets. Let's fill his room with love!
Help spread the word!
__________________
Update from Alex: Thursday afternoon Mathew was transferred to AbilityLab to start rehab. They have him on an aggressive schedule to have him make the most progress possible.
It is going to be a long road but he is in the best possible place he could be for recovery. AbilityLab has been ranked the #1 rehab facility for 27 years straight. They are incredibly attentive, efficient, and helpful in everything they do.
We all know Mathew, and know how determined and driven he is to accomplish everything he ever set out to do. He has broken through every barrier that has ever stood in his way, and I'm more confident than ever that this will be more of the same for him.
I don't know how many more ways I can say thank you to everyone who has reached out to try and help. The words are shallow, but know that my family and I mean every word of it and more. Thank you.
_____________
Update from Alex: Last night/early this morning Mathew was transferred from Stanford to Chicago where he's making a pitstop at Northwestern. We met with a brain trauma doctor who also works at AbilityLab. If all goes well he will be moved there in a few days to begin rehab.
I want to thank all of his friends for everything you've done for us while we were in California. From putting my mom up in a spare room, offering to take us out for lunch/dinner, or simply reaching out to see if there was anything you could do, you've all gone far above and beyond what any of us imagined. We will forever be in your debt.
_______________
Update from Paul, Mat's father:
I can't add anything more to what has already been expressed by my incredible wife and son. The outpouring of love, prayers and generosity has changed me as a man. There are no other words to say but thank you from the bottom of my heart.
______________
Update from Alex:
Early yesterday morning Mat was transferred out of the ICU and into his own private room. It's infinitely quieter and gives him a better environment to recover.
My mom, aunt, and I went to AbilityLab today (formerly RIC), a world renowned rehab facility in Chicago. We discussed the possibility and timeline of getting him transferred there once he's ready to start rehab. The facility is outstanding, to say the least, and will give him the best environment possible to get back to where he was.
I thank you all once again for continuing to reach out with your support. It means the world to us.
_____________________
UPDATE from Liz:
Mat was transferred out of the ICU late Wednesday night! He is now in a very nice quiet private room. We're working on transfer to a rehab facility and hoping to get that done in a few days.
_______________
UPDATE from Alex:
I left SF yesterday after 4 days with my brother. Even in those 4 days he made a lot of progress.
He's getting closer and closer to being moved to a non-ICU room, they are just working on finding the right combination of meds to keep him active but not agitated. A member of the physical therapy team came to see him, too, which is another step in the right direction.
All of the doctors were really upbeat about how far he'd come over the weekend which has been really reassuring. He's definitely fighting to get back to being himself, and I'm confident he will get there.
My family and I continue to get a ton of support. For those of you who have reached out recently offering help I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know I say it a lot, but it really is overwhelming how many people are willing and ready to help in any way you can. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude.
_______________________________________
UPDATE from Alex: I got back to San Francisco yesterday after having been gone for 2 weeks. Mat is looking in much better shape than when I left.
His breathing tube was taken out yesterday and he is off all sedation except for an "as needed" basis. We just heard from a SICU resident this morning that they are very pleased with his breathing with the tube out.
For the past few days we've been told there is "cautious optimism" for his outcome so he is making strides every day.
It wouldn't be a proper update without me thanking all of you. I wish I knew all of you personally so that I could thank you all in a better way than this. You've made it possible for me to be here, and for that I am eternally grateful.
______________
UPDATE from Liz:
Mat is still in the ICU at Stanford, but he is taking positive steps each day. His next hurdle is to have his breathing tube removed. He is fully capable of breathing on his own; the tube is just precautionary due to his broken ribs making it difficult to take deep breaths.
The next step will be to get him out of the ICU and onto a normal floor where they will further monitor his progress. After that he will begin rehab.
We all know Mathew has never let anything beat him. He perseveres until his goal is accomplished. I don't anticipate anything different from him now.
We thank you all again for your generosity. The support has been overwhelming, to say the least. Keep sending your prayers and positive energy!
We will keep you updated as he keeps progressing.
________________________
UPDATE from Mat's mom, Liz:
To see how many people care about and love my son Mathew is overwhelming... and comforting. I can't thank you all enough for being there for him and supporting him. That I will be able to stay near him during this time, and that his dad Paul and brother Alex will be able to come when their jobs allow, will make it that much easier for us to help him through this. It's going to be a long road.
Those who know Mat know that he is strong and he is a fighter. He has never let anything stop him before, and I don't anticipate that he will start now. This is going to be a very difficult journey for him and us. He will need his friends most in the coming months, and I know everyone who can be there, will be. And those who cannot be there in person, will be there in spirit.
I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for your help with this. Please know Mat and his family are indebted to you all.
Love,
Liz / Mat's mom
_________________________________
UPDATE from Mat's brother, Alex:
To Mathews friends who do not know or who may just be finding out, my brother was involved in a serious scooter accident in Mexico on Friday the 23rd. He suffered, among other things, a significant head injury. He is currently in stable condition at Stanford hospital where a team of incredible doctors and nurses are caring for him.
For those of you who have already been aware, I do not even know where to begin. The outpouring of love we have received from family, friends, and complete strangers alike is beyond comprehension. You have comforted my parents and me in our darkest hours. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for everything you are doing for my family, whether it be through prayer, thoughts, words of encouragement, donating to help us be with him, or anything else you've done for us. From the bottom of our hearts we cannot thank you enough.
Clearly Mathew has made an impression on a lot of people, and we know many of you have asked to visit or send care packages. We ask that you please hold off on both for the time being. We will make sure to let all of you know when he's ready for both. We also ask and appreciate that specific details not be shared on his social media pages to avoid any misinformation from spreading.
I will provide periodic updates on Mathew's Facebook page when appropriate.
Thank you all for everything you've done and continue to do.
-Alex
__________________________________________
Greetings all,
We’ve put this page together to help support our dear friend Mat Rowley and his family, who are facing the tough challenge of a long road to recovery following Mat’s scooter accident in Mexico.
For those who haven’t been made aware, Mat was on a visit to his kiteboarding hideaway, La Ventana, Mexico, and was involved in a serious scooter accident on Friday, February 23rd. He suffered, among other things, a significant head injury.
He is currently in stable condition at Stanford hospital where a team of incredible nurses and doctors are caring for him.
Mat’s been making slow and steady progress, but the recovery period will continue to be long and challenging, and his family will face the obstacle of the significant travel expenses going back and forth from Chicago to the Bay area.
This moment is where WE come in – the global group of seriously lucky people that get to consider ourselves Mat’s friends. Please lend a hand and help us make sure our friend is surrounded by as much love as possible along his road to recovery.
Much love,
James ...although Mat would adamantly request that I introduce myself to you all as Flames.
I'm sorry it's been so long since the last update. Mat is still at Shirley Ryan Rehab Center. It has been a very long road and he continues to progress all the time. His strength continues to amaze me. He now wheels himself around the 25th floor... getting into trouble every chance he can! He definitely has the strength to walk, but his balance still needs improvement. He is a favorite of the therapists. He sure knows when to turn on the charm, as those who know him are well aware.
His ability to communicate is showing signs of return, especially in the last couple of weeks. He is using more and more words when he wants something. He's beginning to understand more and more as well. He certainly has no problems communicating his frustration... Swears like a sailor when he's not happy!
Sometime in the next couple of weeks he will be moving to a new facility, Rehab Without Walls. There he will continue his daily therapies with the goal of transitioning to home, where he will then start outpatient therapy.
The ups and downs have been exhausting, but every week of continued improvement reassures me that Mathew will eventually come out of this. Even though at every turn I was told this was going to be a marathon, it has been a longer road than I ever anticipated. And there's still a lot of work ahead.
Thank you all for continuing to keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I can't wait until he is able to thank you all himself.
-Liz
_______________________________________________
Birthday update from Alex: Mathew has been in rehab for a few weeks now and has made some great progress. Physically he's doing really well thanks to how strong he was before the accident.
His cognitive recovery is going to be a longer road. He's having difficulty with communication due to aphasia, which is a complication from his brain injury, but he's taking strides and improving every day. We know he's a fighter and stubborn as hell. He won't let anything stand in his way.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to send something to him. It means the world knowing so many people care about him and can't wait to see him back on his feet.
Happy birthday, bro. Love you.
______________________________
BIG UPDATE from Alex:
As expected, Mathew is crushing it in therapy. They have been impressed with his progress already, so much so that they're getting even more aggressive than they originally planned.
A lot of you have asked about sending things his way. I'm happy to say we're ready to start having you do just that. Judging by the outreach we've seen already I anticipate a lot of stuff will be coming. We want to avoid his room getting too cluttered so please try to keep it to cards and/or small things you think he'd enjoy.
He will also be moving around a lot within the facility so to avoid having things go to the wrong place please send things either to my parents or my address. We are there every day and will make sure he gets everything you send.
Parents address:
Mathew Rowley
C/O Liz & Paul Rowley
23465 N. Overhill Dr.
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
My address:
Mathew Rowley
C/O Alex Rowley
1422 E. Lowden Ave.
Wheaton, IL 60189
I can't wait to see everything he gets. Let's fill his room with love!
Help spread the word!
__________________
Update from Alex: Thursday afternoon Mathew was transferred to AbilityLab to start rehab. They have him on an aggressive schedule to have him make the most progress possible.
It is going to be a long road but he is in the best possible place he could be for recovery. AbilityLab has been ranked the #1 rehab facility for 27 years straight. They are incredibly attentive, efficient, and helpful in everything they do.
We all know Mathew, and know how determined and driven he is to accomplish everything he ever set out to do. He has broken through every barrier that has ever stood in his way, and I'm more confident than ever that this will be more of the same for him.
I don't know how many more ways I can say thank you to everyone who has reached out to try and help. The words are shallow, but know that my family and I mean every word of it and more. Thank you.
_____________
Update from Alex: Last night/early this morning Mathew was transferred from Stanford to Chicago where he's making a pitstop at Northwestern. We met with a brain trauma doctor who also works at AbilityLab. If all goes well he will be moved there in a few days to begin rehab.
I want to thank all of his friends for everything you've done for us while we were in California. From putting my mom up in a spare room, offering to take us out for lunch/dinner, or simply reaching out to see if there was anything you could do, you've all gone far above and beyond what any of us imagined. We will forever be in your debt.
_______________
Update from Paul, Mat's father:
I can't add anything more to what has already been expressed by my incredible wife and son. The outpouring of love, prayers and generosity has changed me as a man. There are no other words to say but thank you from the bottom of my heart.
______________
Update from Alex:
Early yesterday morning Mat was transferred out of the ICU and into his own private room. It's infinitely quieter and gives him a better environment to recover.
My mom, aunt, and I went to AbilityLab today (formerly RIC), a world renowned rehab facility in Chicago. We discussed the possibility and timeline of getting him transferred there once he's ready to start rehab. The facility is outstanding, to say the least, and will give him the best environment possible to get back to where he was.
I thank you all once again for continuing to reach out with your support. It means the world to us.
_____________________
UPDATE from Liz:
Mat was transferred out of the ICU late Wednesday night! He is now in a very nice quiet private room. We're working on transfer to a rehab facility and hoping to get that done in a few days.
_______________
UPDATE from Alex:
I left SF yesterday after 4 days with my brother. Even in those 4 days he made a lot of progress.
He's getting closer and closer to being moved to a non-ICU room, they are just working on finding the right combination of meds to keep him active but not agitated. A member of the physical therapy team came to see him, too, which is another step in the right direction.
All of the doctors were really upbeat about how far he'd come over the weekend which has been really reassuring. He's definitely fighting to get back to being himself, and I'm confident he will get there.
My family and I continue to get a ton of support. For those of you who have reached out recently offering help I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know I say it a lot, but it really is overwhelming how many people are willing and ready to help in any way you can. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude.
_______________________________________
UPDATE from Alex: I got back to San Francisco yesterday after having been gone for 2 weeks. Mat is looking in much better shape than when I left.
His breathing tube was taken out yesterday and he is off all sedation except for an "as needed" basis. We just heard from a SICU resident this morning that they are very pleased with his breathing with the tube out.
For the past few days we've been told there is "cautious optimism" for his outcome so he is making strides every day.
It wouldn't be a proper update without me thanking all of you. I wish I knew all of you personally so that I could thank you all in a better way than this. You've made it possible for me to be here, and for that I am eternally grateful.
______________
UPDATE from Liz:
Mat is still in the ICU at Stanford, but he is taking positive steps each day. His next hurdle is to have his breathing tube removed. He is fully capable of breathing on his own; the tube is just precautionary due to his broken ribs making it difficult to take deep breaths.
The next step will be to get him out of the ICU and onto a normal floor where they will further monitor his progress. After that he will begin rehab.
We all know Mathew has never let anything beat him. He perseveres until his goal is accomplished. I don't anticipate anything different from him now.
We thank you all again for your generosity. The support has been overwhelming, to say the least. Keep sending your prayers and positive energy!
We will keep you updated as he keeps progressing.
________________________
UPDATE from Mat's mom, Liz:
To see how many people care about and love my son Mathew is overwhelming... and comforting. I can't thank you all enough for being there for him and supporting him. That I will be able to stay near him during this time, and that his dad Paul and brother Alex will be able to come when their jobs allow, will make it that much easier for us to help him through this. It's going to be a long road.
Those who know Mat know that he is strong and he is a fighter. He has never let anything stop him before, and I don't anticipate that he will start now. This is going to be a very difficult journey for him and us. He will need his friends most in the coming months, and I know everyone who can be there, will be. And those who cannot be there in person, will be there in spirit.
I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for your help with this. Please know Mat and his family are indebted to you all.
Love,
Liz / Mat's mom
_________________________________
UPDATE from Mat's brother, Alex:
To Mathews friends who do not know or who may just be finding out, my brother was involved in a serious scooter accident in Mexico on Friday the 23rd. He suffered, among other things, a significant head injury. He is currently in stable condition at Stanford hospital where a team of incredible doctors and nurses are caring for him.
For those of you who have already been aware, I do not even know where to begin. The outpouring of love we have received from family, friends, and complete strangers alike is beyond comprehension. You have comforted my parents and me in our darkest hours. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for everything you are doing for my family, whether it be through prayer, thoughts, words of encouragement, donating to help us be with him, or anything else you've done for us. From the bottom of our hearts we cannot thank you enough.
Clearly Mathew has made an impression on a lot of people, and we know many of you have asked to visit or send care packages. We ask that you please hold off on both for the time being. We will make sure to let all of you know when he's ready for both. We also ask and appreciate that specific details not be shared on his social media pages to avoid any misinformation from spreading.
I will provide periodic updates on Mathew's Facebook page when appropriate.
Thank you all for everything you've done and continue to do.
-Alex
__________________________________________
Greetings all,
We’ve put this page together to help support our dear friend Mat Rowley and his family, who are facing the tough challenge of a long road to recovery following Mat’s scooter accident in Mexico.
For those who haven’t been made aware, Mat was on a visit to his kiteboarding hideaway, La Ventana, Mexico, and was involved in a serious scooter accident on Friday, February 23rd. He suffered, among other things, a significant head injury.
He is currently in stable condition at Stanford hospital where a team of incredible nurses and doctors are caring for him.
Mat’s been making slow and steady progress, but the recovery period will continue to be long and challenging, and his family will face the obstacle of the significant travel expenses going back and forth from Chicago to the Bay area.
This moment is where WE come in – the global group of seriously lucky people that get to consider ourselves Mat’s friends. Please lend a hand and help us make sure our friend is surrounded by as much love as possible along his road to recovery.
Much love,
James ...although Mat would adamantly request that I introduce myself to you all as Flames.
Organizer and beneficiary
James Boyd
Organizer
San Francisco, CA
Liz Rowley
Beneficiary