Thor and I have been a little distracted this week. On Monday night, at the weekly MTB short track race, Mat Barton (an amazing biker, and all around GREAT guy that Thor competes against in the men’s SS category) went over the handlebars right in front of Thor and suffered a horrific crash. Mat was taken to the hospital in an ambulance and we’ve been anxiously waiting to hear about his condition all week. Yesterday we learned that tragically, Mat is paralyzed from the chest down, and the doctors believe this will likely be permanent. Fortunately Mat made it through his surgeries this week, they have gone well, and he is reportedly in good spirits surrounded by his loving wife and family.
I know most of you who read our blog won’t know Mat, but we want to spread the word about the fund that has been set up for Mat any way we can (www.bartonpdx.com). This accident hit really close to home for us – we both realize this was easily an accident that could happen to either of us in the course of all the mtn biking we do – and our hearts just go out to Mat’s wife and family.
Please see below for a well-crafted post by our local cycling organization regarding his scenario. Spread the word far and wide, these guys need a hand surmounting the immense financial responsibility that lay ahead.
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Dear Friends,
On Monday June 11th Mat Barton suffered an accident during the Portland Short Track single speed race that resulted in a serious spinal cord injury which has left him paralyzed from the chest down. We know many of you have been anxious for an update on his condition, and we apologize for the wait. We're sure you all understand that he and his family needed personal time and space after the accident before information could be shared publicly. It has also taken some time to get clarity on what Mat’s longer-term prognosis looks like. Mat underwent surgery on Wednesday June 13th to stabilize his spinal column, but unfortunately the doctors say the paralysis is likely permanent.
Mat is one of us, a fellow bike racer – and many of you know him as a friend, and what a wonderful person he is. But this obviously is about so much more than bike racing. Mat is a passionate and talented young man, and loving husband, whose life and the life of his family has just been changed forever by a freak occurrence. Mat's road to recovery will be long and difficult, and now it is our turn to help support him and his wife Jessica in their time of need.
The family, friends and co-workers of Mat have established a fund to help offset to costs of his treatment and recovery. If you would like to join us in contributing to this fund any amount would be greatly appreciated. The link below will take you to Mat's donation page, which also contains information on how to get updates on Mat's progress. Your caring and support means the world to Mat and his family.
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