By Andrea Ferreira | Development Director, Spaulding Rehab Hospital
Your generous support helps people like Matt Kramer, the survivor of a tragic plane crash, restore his strength and fulfill a lifelong dream.
Matt grew up in a running family. He ran cross-country and track in high school, and he and his father both completed the New York Marathon. Remaining on his bucket list was another goal–to one day run the Boston Marathon.
Everything changed in 2007 when Matt was involved in a private plane crash resulting in the deaths of two people, including his brother-in-law. Matt, a happily married young professional with a new baby, barely survived. He was MedFlighted to a Boston hospital with multiple broken bones and life-threatening internal injuries, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI). His survival was a miracle. Matt spent six weeks recovering in the acute hospital before being transferred to Spaulding for his rehabilitation.
Matt credits his caregivers at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston for his remarkable recovery, “The clinical team at Spaulding is dedicated, caring and comprised of amazing human beings who deserve to be recognized every day for their dedication and tireless efforts.”
Matt worked with his nurses and therapists at Spaulding to re-learn basic life skills, such as how to feed and dress himself, manage his own personal care such as showering, and most important for him, to walk again. Your support provided the necessary equipment and highly trained staff to help Matt accomplish these goals.
Matt will never forget the first steps he took in the hallway just outside the TBI unit. “That was the moment I knew I was going to be okay.” Six weeks later, Matt was discharged from Spaulding and returned home to his wife Samantha and baby Sadie. “I will remain forever grateful for what Spaulding has given me and my family,” said Matt.
Although he would still face a long road ahead to a full recovery, Matt never lost sight of his dream to one day run the Boston Marathon. Through his therapy, Matt slowly regained his strength and with each step finally came his ability to run again. In 2015, after seven years of hard work, Matt’s dream became a reality. He completed the Boston Marathon alongside other former patients, staff and supporters as a member of Spaulding’s Race for Rehab Team.
“I’m delighted that I can now give back to this remarkable facility which has helped countless individuals who have survived catastrophic injuries and illnesses,” said Matt. “Many Spaulding alum have had longer roads or faced harder recoveries. I ran for them and to raise awareness of the incredible work done by Spaulding.”
Spaulding was there to help Matt find his strength, and with your help, we will continue to be there for every patient who needs us. Spaulding relies on your support to continue to provide high quality care to all of our patients. With your generous donation, you help patients like Matt rise above their challenges to live their lives to the fullest and accomplish their dreams.
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