DownWithMatt

Matt's Fight for a Pain-Free Future: Help Fund Life-Changing Surgery

Life can change in an instant. For me, that moment came when a routine shoulder surgery led to a rare and debilitating condition called Post Arthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL). What followed was an unrelenting battle against chronic pain that’s left me unable to work, trapped in a body that can no longer keep up with the life I once had.

The Impact of Chronic Pain

Imagine every movement feeling like walking on shards of glass. Add to that a deep, throbbing bone pain that never subsides. This is my reality. Every day, the pain is relentless—a constant drumbeat of agony punctuated by sharp, piercing sensations. It’s not just discomfort; it’s torment.

This condition has stolen my career and my independence. I once thrived as a gymnastics coach, personal trainer, and IT professional, helping others reach their potential. Now, I’m struggling to lift a glass of water without wincing in pain. It’s a stark contrast to the life I knew, where physical movement was both my passion and my livelihood.

From Coach to Patient: A Difficult Transition

I’ve always been someone who dedicates themselves fully to their work. Starting as a coach, I guided athletes through rigorous training programs, eventually moving into personal training and IT, where I applied my same drive and meticulous attention to detail. I was deeply committed to helping others grow and learn—whether it was teaching someone how to achieve peak physical performance or helping people navigate complex technology.

But this pain has derailed everything. I can no longer do the work I love. Instead, I’ve become a patient, navigating a healthcare system that often feels stacked against me. Worse yet, the financial burden of getting the surgery I need is immense.
Living Conditions That Exacerbate My Struggles

As if the physical pain wasn’t enough, my living conditions have added to my suffering. I live in an apartment in Kings Court, Palmyra, NY, where pervasive mold and crumbling infrastructure are making my health worse. Every day, I wake up not only battling the excruciating pain in my shoulder but also breathing in mold spores that threaten to compromise my already fragile health further.

Despite reporting the conditions and advocating for better living circumstances, I’ve been met with bureaucratic indifference. The mold problem has been confirmed, but no action has been taken. I’m literally stuck in a place that is making me sicker with no way out.

The Glimmer of Hope: Ream and Run Surgery

In the middle of this darkness, there’s a ray of hope. Dr. Frederick Matsen, a world-renowned surgeon at the University of Washington, has developed a procedure called "ream and run." This surgery offers a chance to relieve my pain and restore function in my shoulder. It’s not without challenges—this procedure demands extensive rehabilitation—but it gives me hope for a future where I can live pain-free and regain my ability to work.

Unfortunately, the financial barriers are massive. The cost of the surgery, travel to Seattle, post-operative care, and the lengthy rehabilitation required is far beyond what I can afford.

Why Your Support Matters

I’m not just fighting for myself—I’m fighting for a life where I can contribute once again. I want to return to coaching, training, and advocating for systemic change. I want to use my experiences, not as a story of defeat but as a tool to help others facing similar challenges with chronic pain, healthcare failures, and substandard living conditions.

Your support won’t just fund a surgery—it will help restore hope. Hope that I can reclaim my life, go back to work, and use my experiences to fight for those like me who have been let down by a system that prioritizes profit over people.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings me one step closer to that reality. With your help, I can work toward living a life without constant pain. I dream of the day when I can use my renewed strength to advocate for others, push for systemic change, and make a real difference in the world.
Join Me in This Fight

Together, we can prove that when communities come together, even the most insurmountable obstacles can be overcome. Thank you for considering my story and for any support you can offer. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to reclaiming my life and continuing my mission to make the world a better place.