Matt's Medical Care & Rehabilitation journey

Update: As Matt continues to progress with his rehabilitation and as costs become more known it is anticipated that Matt will require more than one prosthetic leg for his different activities. These legs will allow Matt the opportunity to return to the lifestyle and activities that he holds so dear. The estimated cost for a prosthetic leg will be between $100,000-$150,000. The continued support through this campaign is greatly appreciated.

As many of you have now heard Matt was struck by a rock while he and Catherine were hiking just outside of Moab. Matt suffered severe trauma to his right leg and hand in what was a very lucky, unlucky accident. Wrong spot at the wrong time but somehow the rock managed to miss his head and abdominal area. Unfortunately, the impact to his leg was substantial. Initially he had a femoral artery graft and below the knee amputation, however there was too much trauma from the crush injury and a second surgery progressed the amputation to above the knee at the site of his femur fracture. Time will tell but the hope is that the remaining tissues will survive and no further progression is needed. He has a kidney injury but is holding strong as well as several displaced bones in his hand that will in time be realigned. The medical staff keep saying how strong his heart and lung are. They can't believe how strong and healthy he is, and we all know Matt is a fighter which is helping him right now. 

Matt’s brother, Adam, his wife, Catherine and parent have been at Matt’s side and are appreciative and grateful for all the messages they have been receiving.  Matt has now had extensive surgery in Denver to close the amputation site, ongoing dialysis treatment for his kidneys as well as surgeries on his hand to manage the swelling and compartment syndrome associate with the injuries and to stabilize the fractured bones in his hand.  Matt has shown incredible resilience dealing with all the surgeries and very recently has even started standing using a walker with assistance.

We know there is a broad and loving community out there that has felt the warmth and encouragement of Matt and Catherine over the years. Whether it has been through friendships, their coaching, inspiration as elite athletes, Matt’s incredible trail building which has expanded our beautiful Bow Valley playground or the amazing adventures they have lived, they have had a significant impact on Canmore and the community around them. 

While insurance has been a great help with emergency medical costs, Matt has now exceeded his medical insurance limit,  Understandably, the focus of the GoFundMe campaign has now shifted to help assist Matt with immediate financial needs and his medical transport back to Canada as he has not completed his treatment in the US.  Beyond this, Matt continues to have a long rehabilitation ahead of him and remaining funds will be of great assistance with OT/PT treatment, house modification, prosthetics and developing needs as he progresses.

Thank you to everyone for the continued caring and supportive thoughts and messages being sent to Matt and his family at this time in addition to the kind donations.  For current updates on Matt you can use the following link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthadley