Since Matt’s accident, we have had some incredible people touch our lives. I wanted to briefly say “thanks” to some people that might have not been recognized before. First, I want to thank John Breen from the Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission. John was the last person I wanted to meet in the early days after Matt’s accident. He gave us information on where to begin as well as support all through Matt’s rehab at BHRI. I am sure he answered hundreds of questions from us in the early stages. John still encourages us now and we are grateful for all he does for the new spinal cord patients of Arkansas. Bobby Johnson is our case manager with the Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission. Bobby was instrumental in getting us the help on ramps, hand controls, etc. and has also been a person that still encourages Matt. Nolan Hollinshed from the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services has provided help in all areas. He is very compassionate and will do everything possible to give Matt the direction and assistance to finish his education. Nolan’s advice has been invaluable as we had no idea what direction to take.  We are very, very thankful that these men have been a part of Matt’s road to recovery.

I also want to thank Rachel at the McGehee/Dermott Times News. She has always captured Matt’s story through the articles she writes. His story has been shared all over our little community through the local paper.

Congressman James Langevin from Rhode Island has been more than a role model for Matt. He is a mentor and Matt can only strive to make a difference in the world as Congressman Langevin has. The congressman is a constant strength in the House as he so eloquently fights for Americans living with disabilities. He is just an awesome person and is our voice in Washington D.C. As Matt has witnessed the difference he has made while in a wheelchair, there is nothing that would seem like it would be impossible now. Along with Congressman Mike Ross, the seed was planted for majoring in political science. We are so very fortunate to have Congressman Ross representing our district. He has shown such compassion and support to Matt. The Owyoungs brought the congressman to our home right when we came home from rehab. He was the first to let me know about the bills that were being passed to help in the fight of paralysis. These two congressmen have made a difference in Matt’s life and both are instrumental in Matt wanting to help others. The Christopher Dana Reeve Paralysis Act has passed the House is waiting for a vote in the Senate (hopefully soon). I have become an advocate for United 2 Fight Paralysis. I never thought about how much both the Senate and House could actually affect lives until Matt’s accident. We need this bill passed as it will free funds for research and the clinical trials that will soon follow.

Today, State Rep. Robert Moore presented Matt with a proclamation from the House floor. I will quote one part of it: “WHEREAS, Matt Courson, who was named Arkansan of the Week by KATV Channel 7, has distinguished himself in the motivational speaking arena by sharing his inspirational story and making a difference in the lives of people with spinal injuries and their families.” Representative Moore presented this State of Arkansas proclamation at the McGehee Chamber of Commerence meeting. We appreciate very much Rep. Moore thinking of Matt and taking the time to pursue this citation in the state House of Representatives.

There are many, many other people that have been involved in Matt’s road to recovery especially the ones that work so hard on fundraising events and building this website. Without the fundraisers, we would not be able to continue the therapy in Baltimore. We leave in a week for Kennedy Krieger Institiute where the best doctors, nurses and therapists are located. I have found out from three of my SCI mom friends that they will also be there so it will be good to connect again as well as encourage our children as they learn how to move from the wheelchair to making those small steps….which will happen. We are filled with HOPE and if others are reading with a SCI, please never, ever give up hope. We won’t quit until Matt is walking. These kids at KKI are true heroes and inspire everyone they meet. I also want to recognize some “heroes” we have met or been in contact with this last year who also are around Matt’s age and fighting paralysis: Mike (Cali), Cameron (Texas), Amy (WI), Bryan (LA), Danni (NM), Mindy (SC), Claire (PA), Ed (MD), Brian (AR), Brent (FL), Stephen (AR), Brian (MD), Nick (Mich), Tommy (AR), Geoff (IL), Jeff (D.C.), Josh (determined2heal), Dan (UK), Little Alex (OH) and Little Sarah (KKI, video2)…. I know there are more that I can not think of now and will add when I remember. All of these people express strength and more courage than would ever have thought possible. They get up everyday and work hard towards their dream of walking again. We are thankful our lives have crossed as nothing compares to the inspiration that they give others. All have the determination to move forward.

Please keep those prayers lifted up. We have seen prayer after prayer answered. Nothing is Impossible!!

God Bless all of you,

Sancy C.

I have had a busy last couple of days.  Last week I volunteered at my church to help with Bible School.  I was in charge of the recreation activities.  It was fun interacting with the kids as we played kick ball, duck duck goose, and some other fun activities. 

This past Thursday I spoke at the Arkansas Farm Bureau Claims Conference in Hot Springs, AR.  There were around 150-200 Farm Bureau employees in attendance.  I shared my story and tried to motivate and inspire them about how everything in life is possible, and to be the very best at everything you do.  I really had a great time and thank the people of Farm Bureau for this opportunity. 

I had a long weekend these past couple of days where I traveled to Northwest Arkansas.  Along with myself, my mom, brother, and nephew all traveled to my aunt and uncle’s house this past weekend.  The weekend was very nice as we relaxed most of the weekend.  We swam most of the weekend as well.  I am impressed with myself because this is the second time I have been in the pool since my accident.  The first time I got in, which was roughly a couple of months after my accident, I swam like a rock.  Now I would say that I swim like a dog.  Not yet quite like a fish, but I am making some progress… At least we are in the animal kingdom now… Ha!  I also met another guy who is going through a similar situation as me.  The Martin’s, who used to live in McGehee, brought an awesome guy over who had a four wheeler accident and was left with a brain injury.  This guys was great to talk to and has defyed the impossible.  It was nice meeting him and his parents and I am very thankful that our roads have passed.  We also attended a Northwest Naturals baseball game where we had the best seats in the stadium.  They played the Arkansas Travelers in Springdale.  We sat right beside the dugout…  My nephew Dayton got all kinds of baseballs from the Travelers players and coaches.  We all had a great time.

These next few weeks I am going to be working out extra hard for my return trip to Kennedy Krieger Institute.  We fly out on July 4th for Baltimore.  I look forward to getting back up there and continuing my therapy.  I want to thank all of you for all of the support that you continue to pass my way.  You guys continue to motivate me…  Thanks again and God Bless!

Matt C