Support Matthew's Healing Journey After Spinal Surgery

Hi! My name is Nicole Oldja, a personal trainer and care aide based in SWFL. I am looking to raise money for my little brother, Matthew, after he fell from a second story window.

My brother, 28, just moved across country with his wife, Dallys, just a few months ago. Previously based in Chicago, the two of them moved to Washington State to pursue employment and personal growth opportunities. Matt is a chef and Dallys is a receptionist for a local women’s health clinic. The two were settling into Tacoma nicely, getting a lay of the land, enjoying the weather and scenery, and trying to make friends in between their busy (and mostly opposite) work schedules. Late one night while they were out walking their dogs, Loki and Luna, everything changed in an instant.

The front door was locked. They were locked out. It had been raining all day, it was wet and cold and everyone was exhausted. But Matt knew the drill, this had happened before. He grabbed a ladder and climbed up to the second story window, to get into the apartment and unlock the door from the inside. The ladder and window were still slick from the rain, and upon entry Matt fell from the ladder to the ground, shattering 100% of his L1 and almost severing his spinal cord. Neither of them had a phone to dial for help, but miraculously he made it to the car and from there the hospital.

After spending some time in Trauma, a neurosurgeon suggested a fusion, to help stabilize his spine and they agreed. The fall happened late Friday evening, and by Saturday evening he was going into surgery. Thankfully it was a success, and Matt spent the next several days in the hospital recovering, with Dallys by his side every step of the way. It took a few days before he was able to sit and stand on his own, and another day before he was walking around, but he still needs a great bit of assistance doing so.

I decided to fly out from Florida to help in his transition from the hospital back home, since I know they just moved to Tacoma and they have no family or help in the immediate area. I know that more family members are on the way to keep my brother comfortable, while Dallys does all she can to stay in work to keep income flowing.

The surgery will leave my brother out of work for 8 weeks at its best outcome, and while family members and friends have been attempting to be as helpful as they can be from states away, I decided to start this go fund me to have a collective space for financial aid for the both of them during this time. The money raised will be used to continue making their studio apartment more accessible for him(things like a walker, grippy mats to prevent falls, shower seats and steps etc.), as well as medical expenses, room and board for their dogs during the time they were in the hospital, standard bills, and medications/physical therapy.

Any and all help is absolutely appreciated, I can’t wait to see my brother back on his feet again. Thank you to everyone who has a part in making that happen.