My brother Matthew went to the hospital in the early morning hours of April 6 with chest pain. After multiple tests, it was confirmed he had a life threating situation – an aortic dissection – that needed immediate repair. Matthew was rushed to Saint Louis University Hospital where he underwent an almost 10-hour surgery to repair his heart. We left the ICU that evening hopeful because he had made it through the worst. We were able to spend time with Matt, and he was alert, looking at me and mom and his kiddos, knowing we were there.
Matthew didn’t survive the evening. It’s a cross everyone that’s lost someone close bears. That call. That ugly, awful, heart wrenching call.
I’m proud, so proud, to say that my brother Matt worked for Mid America Transplant for many years. He knew the importance of saving lives through donation, and he lived and breathed it. Besides the lifelong friendships Matt made, he also made me aware of the importance of giving.
Matt was always a giver, and this was the ultimate gift. Matthew was able to donate bone, tissue, skin, veins, and corneas. He gave to burn victims, those in serious debilitating accidents, and gifted two individuals with new eyesight. He gave the gift of hope.
Matthew – I am so proud to call you my brother. I am so grateful you educated us on the importance of donor giving. You live on through many and will never, ever be forgotten.
