Wake Culture: Matt Manzari Recovery update

Wake Culture: Matt Manzari Recovery update For those of you who don't know, Matt Manzari is a super awesome Pro-Wakeskater. He's currently in the hospital recovering from a really tough accident that left him badly burned but in high spirits. We're praying for you Matt. It seems the week of July 4th was hard on the Wakeboard Industry. By now you've hopefully heard the story about Pro-Wakeboarder Brad Smeele who shattered his vertebrae while wakeboarding on the Big Air kicker and is in the fight of his life to recover from paralysis. You've hopefully also been able to give or help in some way, even by just sharing his story. Read more here. Well coupled with that incredibly traumatic event is the sad story of Matt's accident as well. Matt was trimming trees for his church and was badly electrocuted, suffering severe third and fourth degree burns to his body. He is currently in the burn trauma unit and has been in and out of numerous surgeries and skin grafts. Matt's a fighter though. You might remember the story of Matt going through another life threatening accident a couple years ago while competing at the Toe Jam contest. He tried a late trick in the shallows and crashed into cinder blocks on the shore. But he came back strong from that, making a full recovery with the love and support from his family, friends, and the wake community. Matt will have a long road to recovery, but we’re all hopeful for his full restoration and that God would be gracious. Both he and his family are going to need a ton of support, prayers, and love. "Matt and his wife Bobbye Jean are also expecting their first child in January, and it is unlikely either one will be able to return to work while Matt is in the hospital and recovering. Over the years Matt has impacted many lives all around the world through his wakeskating, but mostly through his unbelievably kind heart and easy-going nature. We know many of you reading this feel the same way." -Alliance Wakeboard Mag If you would like to donate to help Matt with his medical bills, there is a page set up for that here: http://www.youcaring.com/help-a-neighbor/manzari-family/198931 Additionally, we have teamed up with WakeWell Minsitry and collabed on a #miraclematt t-shirt which will is for sale below. Profit will be donated to Matt and his family via WakeWell. Please keep him in your prayers. To Order a #MiracleMatt Shirt, Click Here An Update from Matt's page: 07/15/2014 by Marta Hartzog Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers, Matt had his 7th surgery yesterday and it was a step in the right direction. They applied a layer of material called Integra to his arms, chest, and stomach that will be the foundation for skin grafts to adhere to in the future. Most of his muscle was removed and they cannot graft straight over bones. We are grateful the removal process is diminishing and we are stepping into the rebuilding process. The Integra will require a month of healing and adhering before they can begin to look into skin grafting. They cannot give us a time estimation for completion. The pain Matt is experiencing brings us all to our knees, wishing there was a way to minimize it. Even through the pain that has been described to us as one of the worst things a human can endure, he continually prays with his medical staff before each dressing change and thanks God for his blessings. Needless to say, there are not very many dry eyes when he does so. He is a true example of faith in the storm and God is exemplified in him, even in his lowest moments. Every medical person we have encountered explains that Matt is a walking miracle to be even at this point… and we know it is true. God has heard the prayers you all have lifted and is working in a mighty way. We ask for your continued prayers as we trek through this journey. Specifically, if you could lift up in prayer some of the following things: Peace that surpasses all understanding for Matt, relief to his pain, healing to his bones that will need replacement without God’s hand, health for our baby as we push through emotional struggles, and a resistance of the attacks that are all around us during our weak moments. Our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude for the selfless ways in which you all are helping us to survive, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are humbled and cry tears of joy. We see God working in each person He brings our way and we see answers to prayer. God is so BIG and yet so concerned for the little things… He blows us away. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and we love you all. Love, Matt and Bobbye Jean Manzari - See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/help-a-neighbor/manzari-family/198931#sthash.rMAOGuAq.dpuf