In 2004, Matt Elflein suffered a tragic accident while boating in Dunedin, FL. The accident caused Matt to become paralyzed from the chest down.
In an instant, Matt became dependent on others for everything. A tough place to be for anyone, but more so for this Long Island-raised boy who had the world at his fingertips. After years of transitioning to his new way of living, a miracle arrived from his hometown friends and family. A van.
He received a Ford van converted with a lift, 6 point seat, and hand controls, so Matt could start his journey of independence and mobility. He did just that.
He got back into the workforce, began shopping for himself, socializing with friends again, and driving himself to numerous doctor’s appointments to continue his rehabilitation. This van was the portal to Matt’s freedom. Matt returning to the workforce was a necessity for his financial survival and continues to be source of his personal growth.
The van Matt drives was purchased by him in 2007, with 12,000 miles on it. Now with over 350,000 miles on it, several new transmissions, sets of tires, batteries, wheelchair lifts, and countless other repairs, it is at the point beyond fixing, it is unsafe for anyone, but especially for Matt, with his disability.
“Matt has defied many odds against him since the accident. He has shown many of us, with his positive attitude and sheer determination, how to live as normal a life as possible, despite the ability to walk. If you don’t believe me, and you live in Tampa, FL, stop by the big chain Home Improvement store, near Raymond James Stadium, where Matt has worked for the past 8 years,” said Terence Doohen, a longtime friend of Matt.
“It’s hard to believe that it has been 17 years since Matt’s life was turned upside down. Since that day, Matt has been unable to run, walk, or simply stand up. Matt is paralyzed from his chest down. His initial three years of recovery was rough. He had to rely on friends and family to drive him everywhere. This was tough on him because nobody wants to be dependent on others. It stunk and his outlook reflected it, ” said Doohen.
Terrance Doohen and his sister Alex Doohen, have launched a gofundme page, to help Matt get the new van he needs.
“We know what another van can do for him, affording Matt to be resourceful and productive. My sister Alex came up with the idea, and said, “Matt needs our help”. We need your help to make this happen. We are asking you to help Matt in any way you can. If you can’t donate, please help promote this fundraiser to your family, friends, local business, charities, and any big-timers that you may know. The more people who realize Matt needs our help, the closer we will come to getting Matt a new van,” said Doohen.
“100% of funds raised will go to Matt Elflein directly. The money raised will go towards the purchase of a disabled van equipped with electronic doors, a wheelchair lift, and hand controls for Matt to drive. The van will be retrofitted and converted through Vocational Rehabilitation. If we can not raise enough money within 60 days for the purchase of a new van, we will purchase the best available pre-owned option,” said Doohen.
To learn more and to help Matt get the van that he needs, please click here to be directed to the gofundme for Matt.