Help Matt's Journey to Recovery

READ BELOW FOR UPDATE 9/25/23

Hi, My name is Yessica and I am fundraising for my Best Friends Brother, Matt.

In the face of an unimaginable challenge, Matt was struck by a devastating car accident. As he fights to recover from critical injuries that have shaken us all, we're turning to our extended family and friends for support.

The weight of the medical bills ahead is daunting, a burden that no family should bear alone. Matt's injuries, critical and potentially life-altering, has his family grappling with uncertainty.

We're uncertain about the road ahead, but your help can make a difference. As the family navigates the intricate web of medical care and healing, we promise to keep you updated. Your concern and well wishes are a source of comfort, and we'll share more news when the time is right.

Let's rally around Matt and his family, lifting some of the burden that has unexpectedly befallen them. With heartfelt gratitude, we thank you for being a part of this journey towards recovery, and healing.

Please keep Matt and his family in your thoughts.

Thank You ALL in Advance.

UPDATE From the Family:

9/25/23: "Just finished reading official accident report. It was very difficult to get through. I envisioned Matthew being all alone on the freeway in the very early hours of the day, before sunrise, just heading home after a long shift at work. Matthew was just trying to get home after a long day at work like all of us, when he was violently hit head on at speeds of 65-70 mph, completely destroying his car, and critically injuring Matthew. The emergency medical team present determined Matthew had internal injuries and he was rushed to trauma center, once again all alone. The trauma surgeons prepared and prepped Matthew for emergency surgery and Matthew was again all alone being brought into the OR. Matthew faced each crisis with stoicism and strength but sadly also all alone. We all could not be more proud and inspired by him. Reading further more about the intoxicated driver who just plowed into Matthew’s car without even braking was terrifying! Reading this police report just reinforced that Matthew was an innocent victim of another dangerous drunk driver. Now Matthew is surrounded by his brothers and sister, a family who stand with him, no one should be alone in the most terrifying moment of their life."

9/13/23: "Matthew is HOME! We are so incredibly happy to have Matthew home, we are counting our blessings and all of you are included. Matthew was hit by a drunk driver, and he is lucky to be alive. It’s so unfair that Matthew was so critically injured by such a senseless act! Now Matthew is facing weeks of painful recovery and unable to work. However as stated previously we are choosing to focus on Matthew’s recovery and all of the prayers and support given to him. Life’s momentum came to an abrupt stop on 8-23 when Matthew was hit head on. However during that pause in life’s pace we all grew a sharper focus on what is truly precious in our lives, and that is our loved ones, our families, our children, and we remain very grateful to all you and we continue to pray for Matthew’s complete and full recovery."

9/03/23: "Thank you all so much for your care and support. We are all very thankful and are so grateful words fail to express our gratitude. Matthew has been transferred to an ICU step down room. He is working hard at his recovery now actively. Matthew is progressing with his strong state of mind and his fierce determination. He has started on a regular diet and is starting to enjoy his meals again after nearly 2 weeks. We are very hopeful Matthew will continue this remarkable momentum towards his recovery."

9/01/23: "Matthew is still in ICU, receiving excellent care. We are so thankful for all the nurses, doctors and care team who have been by Matthew’s side. Matthew is waking up and talking! We are also so grateful for all the prayers and support for Matthew. Matthew has developed some complications with his intestines related to surgery, so his intestines are still in the process of healing. Doctors are starting a PICC line and IV nutrition TPN until his intestines are able to work again. Thank you to everyone for your support, this has been an unimaginable event that has literally stopped our lives for now, all our efforts are on getting Matthew well again and home."

8/30/23: "Matthew had a very rough day in ICU intensive care yesterday. He had reached his limits and was incredibly uncomfortable with labored breathing despite the high flow oxygen, altered thinking from all the sedatives, and intense pain from his exploratory abdominal surgery. His body is full of fluids, every extremity is swollen, and his lungs are still full of fluid. There was talk between his doctors to possibly transfer Matthew to Cedars Sinai Hospital, where issues at hand could be more comprehensively looked into. It was a very tense difficult conversation between doctors, ultimately the decision was made to stay at ICU Holy Cross, however, if another downturn arises we will without hesitation transfer Matthew to Cedars Sinai."

8/28/23: "Matthew is still in ICU critical care, Matthew pulled out his ventilator tube, and trauma suffered by that. Matthew is now on high-flow oxygen and he has intense episodes of shortness of breath. Matthew’s lungs are full of fluid from the heroic efforts of trying to save his life during surgery. With so much blood loss the doctors gave him large amounts of blood and fluids. Now Matthew’s body is coping with those fluids and it will take time for his body to balance out. I’m the meantime the efforts are to keep him from being intubated again. Matthew is still in very fragile shape, no plans on moving to another room his condition remains critical."

8/24/23: "Yesterday (8/24/23) was a big day for Matt. He had a 2nd surgery to make final repairs on his internal damages from the accident. We’re happy to share that the surgery went well. He is back in the ICU. He is having challenges with his breathing so he’s still on life support but we are hopeful that he will be breathing on his own soon. We are so thankful for the well wishes, prayers, and support and will continue to keep those interested in Matt’s progress and recovery."