Family and friends of Matt Henry are raising money to RENOVATE THE MASTER BATH as he is wheelchair bound due to being a quadriplegic, as a result of his Spinal Cord Injury.
MATT NEEDS YOUR HELP (Click “SEE ALL” below for the whole story)
Matt had an accident and is currently quadriplegic from the chest down. Here is his story:
As some of you know, on January 4, 2020 Matt had a freak snowboarding accident at Keystone, near the bottom of his run. He caught an edge on his snowboard and fell, his head and shoulder planting in the snow. His body and board flipped over his head, breaking his neck and dislocating his shoulder. The Keystone Ski Patrol and Mountain Safety reached him very quickly and immobilized his neck and back. They got him onto a sled and loaded him into an ambulance where he realized he could not feel his legs.
He was transported via ambulance to St. Anthony Hospital (Level 1 Trauma) in Lakewood. In the ER his core body temperature was 90 degrees. They did a cat-scan and an MRI. Matt had a burst C6 Vertebrae, cracked C7 and dislocated his shoulder. Upon reviewing the imaging with his neurosurgeon team, we saw the C6 vertebrae had shattered with part of it putting significant pressure on his spinal cord.
Matt had surgery to remove bone fragments from his neck, replace the vertebrae with cadaver bone, placed a titanium plate and fused C5, C6 and C7 vertebrae together. They put his shoulder back into the socket. The Neurosurgeon gave us an update 2:30 AM after the surgery and told us that he made room for spinal cord swelling, and let us know that the cord was bruised but did not appear to be severed.
Matt was in ICU for 8 days with treatment to keep his blood pressure up for the benefit of his spinal cord healing. At this point he was fully paralyzed from his chest down and had some deficiency with his hands and fingers. He was weak and his body was in shock and in a lot of pain.
A few days into his ICU stay some small miracles began occurring. He could feel some touch on his left toes and ankle. He began identifying touch on part of his chest below the original line of feeling. He concentrated on trying to move muscles in his legs and core.
After 8 days in ICU he was stable enough to be transported to Craig Hospital to begin his very long rehabilitation. We are fortunate to have Craig Hospital in our area. Craig is the best place in the country for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation. Considering his injury, Matt is so fortunate to be there! craighospital.org
At Craig: “Spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment and rehabilitation focuses on aggressively working with patients physically and psychologically, so that in a shorter period of time patients can maximize their neurological recovery and general health.”
Matt’s rehab team at Craig consisted of Matt, his family, girlfriend Ashley (the love of his life), his physician, rehabilitation nurses, nurse technicians, his physical therapist, occupational therapist, therapeutic recreation therapist, a clinical care manager, clinical psychologist, a dietitian and a pharmacist. When needed, other consultants and treatment professionals who specialize in SCI also are included on his team.
His daily schedule was jam packed with 8-9 hours of therapy to reach his goal of walking (and shredding!) again. In the first 4 weeks he has made huge progress with healing, feeling his whole left side, his leg and foot. His right side is beginning to get feeling, his core and back muscles are strengthening. His shoulder is healing slowly and initially hindered his ability to do a lot of therapy, but is gaining strength and range of motion. He is just barely flexing both quads, glutes and hip flexors. His team refers to it as “more than nothing but less than something”. His fingers and hands are getting stronger as has access to the upper extremities lab with specialized equipment for strengthening and dexterity.
MATT NEEDS YOUR HELP
Matt cannot get upstairs or into the shower. We are renovating the master bath and installing a wheelchair lift. The lift costs $16,000+. The bathroom will have a shower big enough for a wheelchair and be able to access the sink. We are gutting the bathroom and have a General Contractor starting on the project. PLEASE DONATE TO THE COST OF THIS PROJECT. Thank you so much!
We have chosen to fundraise for Matt using Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses.
To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button. Every bit will help! Please share!
Please help, and thank you for supporting Matt through his journey to heal and be able to walk again!
#mattwillshredagain
Updates (4)
December 1, 2020
Matt cannot get upstairs or into the shower. We are renovating the master bath and installing a wheelchair lift. The lift costs $16,000+. The bathroom will have a shower big enough for a wheelchair and be able to access the sink. We are gutting the bathroom and have a General Contractor starting on the project. PLEASE DONATE TO THE COST OF THIS PROJECT. Thank you so much!
February 29, 2020
It has been an exciting couple of days!
1) Matt and Ashley were trained to transfer Matt into a car so he can have some freedom and mobility.
2) Matt got a regular double bed in the hospital instead of a hospital bed. He had to be able to turn himself in bed to earn it!
3) The biggest of all! MATT IS MOVING HIS KNEES TOWARD EACH OTHER. It is still just a little but looks like he is making progress!
Matt needs lots of Physical Therapy! Please keep the donations coming. THANK YOU!
February 26, 2020
Because Matt has been able to wiggle two toes on his right foot regularly, he is now being put in a Lokomat for therapy. The point is to get his brain (though his spinal cord) retrained to work with his hips on down, to support walking again. His leg muscles aren't strong enough to move on their own but this could help him improve! Please pray for him! Click the 'Give' button to make a tax-deductible contribution!
February 23, 2020
Matt's days are very full of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Manual Therapy, Counseling, Wheelchair Class and more. He is working HARD. Come on spinal cord, heal! In due time...
On Monday 2/24/2020 the staff at Craig are loading Matt in a bus and bringing him to his and Ashley's house to figure out what he will need at home to make living there after discharge doable. He will still be in a wheelchair.
On Tuesday 2/25/2020 Matt has an appointment at Panorama Ortho in Highlands Ranch to find out the status of the MRI on his shoulder, which was badly dislocated when he was injured. Need to know if muscles were torn or if it has healed enough to get rid of his restrictions.
Matt's tentative discharge at this time is March 27, 2020. He needs your help with fundraising, please. Thank you!
Photo Galleries (2)
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Guestbook
December 15, 2020
Thinking of you often. Hoping the renovations move smoothly and as quickly as possible!
Neil Ferguson
December 7, 2020
Good luck with the renos and the physical therapy! Ashley's Ovintiv family is behind you all the way!
Sandra Zdunich
December 2, 2020
Matt and Ashley, your strength and optimism are inspirational! Best wishes for continued recovery and a successful remodel project.
Rachel FREER
December 2, 2020
Go Team Matt Henry!! Thinking of you often & sending ALL my good vibes. ❤️
Gabrielle Lee
December 1, 2020
You're both in my daily prayers. I hope you can get these renovations done to make your entire house more accessible. Sending my love!
Laura Carper
September 13, 2020
Team Matt!!! ❤️❤️❤️ Rooting for you to the end.
Kimberly Harrell
August 12, 2020
Love you
Kirby Lind
July 10, 2020
Sharing this to my nonprofit page so we might be able to raise some money!
Connor O'Brien (DoCR)
July 10, 2020
you guys keep up the positivity, we miss you here at keystone, Love ya! an hope to see you two soon! Truely inspiring
Kyser Parrott
July 10, 2020
We love having you as neighbors! Tim, Randi, Ryan and Jamie Sue
Randi Smiertelny
July 9, 2020
Good luck with everything, miss you guys and you’re in my prayers
Stevie Kathleen
June 30, 2020
May God Bless you and Keep you through all your days!
♡Karen
Karen Herrmann-DeSantis
April 6, 2020
Hi Matt,
Hope you are in great spirit. Wish you a quick and complete recovery.
Best regards
Umamaheswar (Achari)
Umamaheswar Kakinada
March 12, 2020
I so look forward to see you hanging out in the parking lot soon.
Joel Wexler
March 7, 2020
Hey Matt, met you at the SpringOne Conference in 2019 and you were truly an amazing person. Stay strong and wish you all the best!
shulin chen
March 7, 2020
Dear Matt and Family,
Sending well wishes from North Dakota for your recovery as you work toward your goal. Craig is such an amazing place full of hope, healing, and caring people all on the same mission. My Dad and our family was in very much the same situation as you with a C5-C6 break after being hit by a drunk driver. His outcome was not not as hopeful as yours, but still there was a lot of effort and love that went into his healing. His 14 month stay gave us the opportunity to get close to so many other families and create lasting bonds with them and his team of helpers. We saw many people come and go during that year+ stay. Everyone was a gift. My sister ended up being married at Craig in the courtyard with my brother helping to wheel my dad down the aisle with her. T-Rec was a God send, and I’m so happy you were able to experience that after your accident. Many blessings to you, your girlfriend, and family as you work through your journey of hope.
Alice Smith
March 6, 2020
It is good to financially help a friend in need and better yet to help a stranger.
Anita Hansen
March 6, 2020
Be of good cheer. Fight the fight, and you will overcome and walk someday. The Lord bless you and keep you and make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. Never give up, and always remember that Jesus loves you and he is with you all the way. These things happen for a reason and we don’t know why. But someday you will, if you meet God in heaven face-to-face he will explain it all to you. May he comfort you and wrap his arms around you and hold you real close when you get scared or when you’re alone. I pray your family is with you every step of the way helping you along.
Anita Hansen
March 5, 2020
Prayers being lifted for you Matt!
Gabe Dohrmann
March 5, 2020
PinkeStrong
Chad Stark
March 5, 2020
Killin it Bro!! Get It!!
T n Z
Todd Parrott
March 4, 2020
Lots of healing prayer your way!
Brynlee and Bostyn Hall
March 3, 2020
I am an old friend of your Mom's from her work in Kansas. Stay strong. Hoping for your complete recovery.
Neil Woerman
March 2, 2020
We love and believe in you Matt you got this! Scott Gina & Nas
Scott, Gina & Nas Starita
March 2, 2020
Hey Bud, For years we been hittin the same slopes and I’m gunna miss u for now. Get well Bro.
Eric Medina
February 29, 2020
Stay strong Matt. Praying for healing and strength.
Laura Carper
February 29, 2020
Keep up the fight!
Brianna Bates
February 29, 2020
Hey buddy, I hope you have a speedy recovery as I am sure eating all that jello gets old after a while... I am sure you’ll recover in no time.
Evan Richards
February 28, 2020
Rooting for you, Matt.
Melanie Coronetz
February 28, 2020
You are a true inspiration Matf! Keep grinding! You got this!
Tammy Adams
February 27, 2020
Matt, I wish I was closer so I could visit but know you're always in my thoughts! You got this! I have ABSOLUTELY no doubt you'll be back to yourself with time! I love you!
Tessa Altman
February 27, 2020
Stay strong brother!
Chris Keller
February 27, 2020
Keep fighting man!
Matt Perez
February 27, 2020
Hey Matt
I am sorry to hear about the accident! I know you will work hard to heal and I wish you the best in your recovery. You helped me learn to snowboard and I always think of the days you called me Princess and Little Dipper -
Heather Pierce
February 27, 2020
You fuckin got this bro! We WILL shred Keystone in the future
Dan Hetzner
February 27, 2020
god bless
Brady Chappell
February 26, 2020
We are rooting for you every day and sending love to you all!!!!
Julie Burkholder
February 26, 2020
Praying for your full and speedy recovery.
Joyce Siddall
February 26, 2020
Sending lots of love your way! Your hard work will pay off.
Lisa Parnanen
February 26, 2020
Matt, You got this. Keep working brother. This too shall pass!!
Ravi Linga
February 24, 2020
Get well soon Matt !!
Shikha Gupta
February 22, 2020
Matt, Ashley, and family,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you for strength and a speedy recovery!
Terri and Michelle Reed
Terri Reed
February 22, 2020
Matt, you know that it was Logan from Keystone Mountain Safety, then I think Billy from Keystone Ski Patrol, and then myself from Mountain Safety who were the first three people to reach you after your fall. I would therefore like to make this donation on behalf of Mountain Safety and Ski Patrol. You have always been such a positive and upbeat force on the mountain. We are all looking forward to your return to the hill.
Dave Pilarowski
February 21, 2020
Wishing for a total healing!
Breanna Hume
February 21, 2020
Hey Matt, Nothing but love from SoCal. Your hard work and positive outlook is really inspiring.
Michael Phillips
February 21, 2020
Love you CUZ!!
Dont send it so hard next time, yeah?!
nicholas kershow
February 20, 2020
You will come out the winner, Matt! We all pray for you. See you soon!!
Saurabh Gupta
February 20, 2020
We are rooting for you Matt! You've got this!
Carol Wagner
February 19, 2020
Thinking of you, best to you on your road to recovery! We’re all with you!
Kenny Bourquin
February 19, 2020
Matt, keep working hard buddy, you can do this! I’m encouraged by your positive attitude and hard work. Can’t wait to see your progress!
God bless,
Mark
Mark Schiavone
February 17, 2020
I wish for you the best physical, emotional and mental recovery that you can have. A friend of Peggy Ser Vaas.
Barbara Kellerman
February 17, 2020
Wishing you a full and complete recovery!
Anonymous
February 16, 2020
Can’t wait until you can shred again. Maybe you can give me some pointers. At GutCheck we miss your Senior Software Engineering leadership. Spring Boot Rocks!
Mike Ruday
February 16, 2020
Brock and I sincerely hope this helps ❤️
Meredith Lovelace
February 15, 2020
I’m an old friend of your Mom’s from Aventours I wish you a speedy recovery.
Rhonda Cohen
February 15, 2020
Hope Matt will recovery soon and get well
Sonny Nguyen
February 15, 2020
From one single mom to another. ❤️ Love and prayers to your family.
Megan Pangborn
February 15, 2020
Good luck in your recovery we’re rooting for you!
Cindy Knox
February 14, 2020
Keep up the good work! Love you!
Grandma & Grandpa Kershow
February 14, 2020
Get well soon Matt! The Buckley family is cheering for you!
Carlin West
February 13, 2020
Thinking of you and Ashley!
Anastasia Morseman
February 13, 2020
We love you and wish you a speedy recovery!
GeorgeandLaura Jackson
February 13, 2020
Love you guys! Life throws us curveballs and it takes extra special people to get through it the way you do! ❤️
Stevie Kathleen
February 13, 2020
No matter where life takes you, I hope you continue to live an epic life matt! Don’t let the chair/bed bring you down. Wish you a speedy recovery!
Nickolaus Bonner
February 13, 2020
Matty you’ve got one hell of a spirit and I know it’s shining through everyday during your recovery. Keep motivated and we are all here supporting you any way we can!
Caroline Corasaniti
February 13, 2020
Prompt and successful recovery
Herbert and M claire Henrison
February 13, 2020
Best wishes!!
Diane Johnson
February 13, 2020
Thinking about you every day and praying for healing.
Laura Carper
February 13, 2020
Feel better Matt. Next year we shred.
Brandon Nissl
February 13, 2020
Can’t wait to see you walking again! Stay strong! Much love!!
Anonymous
February 13, 2020
Sending as much healing energy as I can to you Matt! May you make a speedy recovery and I hope to see you on the mountain soon! You're in my thoughts every time I shred!
Ashly Roberts
February 13, 2020
Matt, I am hoping for a speedy recovery. Keep your head up, you got this!! #mattwillshredagain
Sadie Hicks
February 13, 2020
Have a speedy recovery Matt. You are a good soul and deserve the best. I hope to get to visit you sometime soon. Love to you and your family
Bonnie MacLachlan
February 13, 2020
Stay strong buddy, we love ya!
The Sportsbook Bar & Grill
February 13, 2020
I know it's not much but I hope this helps! I should have more coming your way soon. Get better, buddy!
Alex Gustin
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In honor of Matt Henry
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