Matt Olson recently suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury while playing hockey for the Chicago Cougars in the USPHL (United State Premier Hockey League). Matt was getting close to realizing his dreams of playing college hockey but all that changed when he lost an edge and fell head first into the boards. Following the injury, Matt spent the first eight weeks in a Chicago hospital before returning to Minnesota where he is currently in a rehab facility. Now a quadriplegic with no use of his legs and only minimal movement in one arm, Matt requires assistance for all his basic needs.

Matt had always dreamed of playing college hockey. He was a four-year varsity hockey player for Totino-Grace High School and holds the school record for the most varsity games played. Following high school, he began playing Junior hockey where he continued his development and was attracting the attention of college coaches. The dedication and effort that Matt displayed on the ice, will help him achieve the fullest possible recovery from this devastating injury.

In spite of the many limitations Matt now has, he has been very positive and has been working hard in rehab. He looks forward to the day he can return home and start planning his future. Matt’s family is planning for the financial aspects of recovery. Matt will have extensive medical costs for the rest of his life and he will need 24-hour care and assistance, and access to therapies that aren’t covered by insurance. His parents are planning a new home that will be accessible for Matt and they will also need to purchase a specially modified vehicle.