The girls were in a 1993 Jeep Cherokee which is one of the worst vehicles for rolling and roof strength. I bring this up because tomorrow is the Senate hearing on roof crush in rollovers. Please send your good energy and letters to senators if compelled to change the law on making our vehicles roofs stronger. I was not able to be there but we will be in spirit.
We are still in limbo as far as the Cleveland Clinic goes. We are just trying to go on with life and not put too much emphasis on the possibility. The anxiety is too much to handle.
Jess has been very alert lately. I was able to get him to grab a large metal spoon out of a metal mixing bowl yesterday. His hand does not work the way he wants it to but he was determined to figure out how he could make it grab the spoon. He also was able to put it back in the bowl and drop it. I think he liked the noise it made. I can't tell you how excited I was to witness his ability to think about what he wanted to do and make it happen. I am reading a book about the plasticity of the brain and how we can retrain our brains. It is giving me the reassurance that we must keep trying new things with Jess and keep letting him know that he can get better and that he is doing an awesome job.
Chris and I reflect on the fact that it has almost been 4 years since the accident. A very long 4 years. We have had many new friends and many wonderful people come into our lives and support us through those years and we thank them all. Here is a letter I submitted to the newspapers relaying our gratitude but I don't think they are going to print it so hopefully it will touch some of those who it pertains too. We love you all!
May 27, 2008
To: An Amazing Community
We are amazed at the support, generosity and compassion we gratefully receive from this valley. We want to thank everyone who participated in two fundraisers recently held for our son, Jess Matey.
The Quest Class at the Wood River High school had a car wash provided by the Valley Car Wash. The students graciously donated the proceeds to help Jess with medical expenses and travel incurred on a recent trip to the Cleveland Clinic. He is being evaluated for a specialized deep brain stimulation procedure that may help him walk and talk again. The kids were amazing and spent two days at the event. They also helped to get 400 petitions signed for the June 4th Senate hearing organized by People Safe in Rollovers in Washington D.C. The goal is to get the auto industry to strength the roofs in our vehicles.
Mauro Zavala organized a dance at the Next Stage Theater for his senior project. He also donated the proceeds to Jess. We are so grateful to Mauro and all of the students who supported the dance and reached out to help a fellow student.
This is Jess’ last year attending the W.R. high school. We thank all of the students, staff, administration and therapists that welcomed and helped Jess at school every day. We especially thank Brandie Hopwood, the para pro and caregiver who drives 4 days a week from Mackay to be by his side and take such awesome care of him.
Jess has been riding at the Sagebrush arena for the last 4 years since his accident. We thank the outstanding staff and wonderful, important volunteers assisting him twice a week.
This community is like no other. We could not survive this difficult journey without so many people. The wonderful friends, therapists, alternative therapists, EMT’s, E.R. and hospital staff and strangers that have come to our rescue are appreciated beyond our words. We truly are blessed and forever grateful to each and every one of you.
Pam, Chris & Jess Matey
To: An Amazing Community
We are amazed at the support, generosity and compassion we gratefully receive from this valley. We want to thank everyone who participated in two fundraisers recently held for our son, Jess Matey.
The Quest Class at the Wood River High school had a car wash provided by the Valley Car Wash. The students graciously donated the proceeds to help Jess with medical expenses and travel incurred on a recent trip to the Cleveland Clinic. He is being evaluated for a specialized deep brain stimulation procedure that may help him walk and talk again. The kids were amazing and spent two days at the event. They also helped to get 400 petitions signed for the June 4th Senate hearing organized by People Safe in Rollovers in Washington D.C. The goal is to get the auto industry to strength the roofs in our vehicles.
Mauro Zavala organized a dance at the Next Stage Theater for his senior project. He also donated the proceeds to Jess. We are so grateful to Mauro and all of the students who supported the dance and reached out to help a fellow student.
This is Jess’ last year attending the W.R. high school. We thank all of the students, staff, administration and therapists that welcomed and helped Jess at school every day. We especially thank Brandie Hopwood, the para pro and caregiver who drives 4 days a week from Mackay to be by his side and take such awesome care of him.
Jess has been riding at the Sagebrush arena for the last 4 years since his accident. We thank the outstanding staff and wonderful, important volunteers assisting him twice a week.
This community is like no other. We could not survive this difficult journey without so many people. The wonderful friends, therapists, alternative therapists, EMT’s, E.R. and hospital staff and strangers that have come to our rescue are appreciated beyond our words. We truly are blessed and forever grateful to each and every one of you.
Pam, Chris & Jess Matey
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