3 Years and Still Not Giving Up

For you lazy readers and you A.D.D. victims the following are the highlights from this post:

• 4th Annual Klamath River Benefit is AUGUST 18TH - rafting, food, music and great camping! BE THERE!!!  See details below or this link http://4thklamathbenefit.blogspot.com/
• Starting graduate school in the fall and I got a scholarship yippee!
• 3-year anniversary on July 9th.
• Posted my documentary on youtube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4T0CjXj7B4&feature=plcp

First order of business is the 4th Annual Klamath River Benefit Bash! It's going down on August 18th with rafting starting at noon. Whitewater rafting, BBQ, music, swimming, volleyball, camping, and most importantly great people!! Do yourself a favor and be there!! The rafting is fun and safe and a great time for ALL skill levels check out http://www.awwrafting.com/ for more information about what the rafting is all about.

What: Fundraiser to help Matt walk again.
Where: Paradise Point (see picture below)
When: August 18th starting at noonFor more details and driving directions http://4thklamathbenefit.blogspot.com/

As you can see the location is beautiful so bring the whole family and conclude your summer with a fun weekend in the sun and water!

If you have any questions please contact me at mattnevergivesup@gmail.com.

Why am I trying to raise money??  I've been doing exercise based rehabilitation therapy at a place in Carlsbad, CA called Project Walk.  I continue to make progress and as long as I keep making progress I want to go as long as I can.  At this point in time, its the best chance I have at getting my mobility on again.  A very important side benefit is that this therapy keeps my body in shape by maintaing muscle mass and bone density, which are pretty important for walking again.

The last couple months my legs have been crazy active making my work outs at Project Walk amazing and sleep challenging!!  They're starting to really respond to the training!  I have a long ways to go, but progress is encouraging!!  It's amazing to me that even after 3 years I'm still making daily progress.  The progress is impossibly slow, but its still progress and change is oh so good!!  A huge development in last couple weeks is that I've been able support part of my weight on my legs with bent knees, which means my muscles are engaging!!  Oh yeah!!!  I don't have any pictures yet, but very soon I will.  Below is a picture of me working on my core strength and balance...something I do a lot of!

I'm starting Graduate School through Colorado State University this fall.  I'll be working on getting a Master's of Engineering in Water Resources and Management.  If you're at all interested check it out:  http://www.online.colostate.edu/degrees/civil-engineering/index.dot.  I decided that it was time to broaden my definition of recovery.  I can't afford to work yet due to my high caregiving needs that are covered as long as I'm not working, but won't be once I start.  Therefore, I've decided to start grad school to prepare myself for the eventual day of working again.  I was able to get a scholarship to cover all the tuition until I graduate through this amazing organization called Swim With Mike.

3-year anniversary!  UGH!!  Can't say that I was excited to see July 9th roll around again.  I was really hoping that I'd be on my feet by now.  If I dwell on that fact it can really get me down and be pretty discouraging.  I miss my mobility and independence so much!!!!!!  How do I deal with this overwhelming loss and sadness?  I focus on all the blessings I have.  I focus on the amazing progress I've made thus far and how that seemed impossible 3 years ago.  I focus on that God is good and all things happen for a reason.  I focus on the support I have from an AWESOME group of friends and family, which I'm so lucky to have!!  YOU help me stay optimistic and positive!  Thanks for your support!!

Scott Valley Rules!!!!!

Let me tell you about a little place nestled in the heart of the great state of Jefferson that as forever captured my heart.  Although the physical features of this area are impressive by any standard that doesn't involve shopping its the people that make this community amazing!!  Between 2 different fundraisers this little community of just a few thousand has raised almost $40k for little old me.  If you're fortunate enough to call it home consider  yourself very fortunate!!  The whole state of Jefferson has some of the most amazing people living in the Rogue and Shasta Valleys, but Scott Valley reigns supreme...sorry...I'm biased!!  I love all of you up in what can truly be considered God's country!  So, you got it?  Scott Valley is awesome!!  Thank you Scott Valley I wouldn't be here without you!!  I also want to thank my friends that are in the Rogue Valley, the Shasta Valley and those of you scattered around the world.  I'm in your debt and a debt I'll never be able to repay.

You have no idea how much each individual gift means to me no matter how large or small.  Without your support I would most likely be living in an assisted living facility with no hope of independence.  Even though I still have a long road ahead of me, YOU, yes YOU, have given me a chance and a hope!!  When I think of how blessed I am to have this kind of support it brings me to tears and any words I say would be a gross understatement to express the gratitude in my heart!!

Most recently some pretty amazing women organized a BBQ dinner and auction.  It was hugely successful and a great time too.  There was some weird old man, and I mean OLD, running around with a grass skirt on.  Watch out!!

It was a fun filled night complete with Hula Dancers!  Thank Hula Dancers for coming down!!

Over 250 people braved the snowy mountain roads to come out and support me.  Yes, that's right, it snowed and almost everyone had to drive over a 4000 ft mountain pass to get there.  SoCal people can't even wrap their minds around this idea.  10 miles on a flat freeway might as well be the moon down here.  Ha Ha!

This guy was even there!!

A huge thanks and a huge amount of gratitude goes out to Diane Pomeroy and Pam Malmberg!!  If you ever find yourself at the receiving end of their help just do exactly what they say...they know exactly what they're doing.  Just smile, say yes ma'am, and consider yourself one of the luckiest people alive!!  Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of them, but here's one of my parents and I.

So now what??  I'm continuing therapy at Project Walk until the end of August.  My Mom will return home at that time and I'm not sure what I'm going to do.  Two things are certain I'll continue this kind of therapy however wherever I can and I'm starting graduate studies at Colorado State University through an online program.  At the moment I can't actually afford to work yet...surprised??  Tell me about it!!!  It is SO frustrating...I can work fine I just can't shower and poop by myself.  Anyways, enough of that.  My ultimate goal is to work and be a contributing member to society.  I'm approaching this goal in two ways: 1) I'm preparing myself professionally to be highly employable and 2) I'm working my tail off everyday to get stronger and stronger, which equals greater independence.

Thank you again for your support!  I still have a long road ahead of me, but there's hope!!  If you're inspired by my story and would like to support me you can do so by following the link below.  I'm stilling looking for 300 people to commit to giving $20/month.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW

If you have read this far then mad props to you my friend!  If you're already donating or have in the past from the bottom of my hear...THANK YOU!!  I love you!!!