Life is short and you never know when tragedy will strike and potentially destroy your family financially. In August, Matt Isenberg, a 36-year-old teacher, husband and father of two living outside of Chicago suffered a massive brain hemorrhage while driving home from work. As a former Division I football player at University of Illinois, he has always been physically fit and active, and is the primary breadwinner of his family.
Matt’s story has touched us personally as he is a close friend to my daughter’s godparents. In an effort to help spread the word I wanted to share his story as this could happen to anyone. Remarkably, Matt was able to drive himself to the hospital and survived.
Currently Matt has been through several operations and is on a long and uncertain road to recovery, however he has developed Aphasia. Aphasia is a result of the brain trauma and presents a serious long term issue. He has been fitted with a helmet and is required to have 24 hour help as two large portions of his skull were removed to alleviate the swelling.
While Matt was lucky and is physically improving (sitting up, standing up with assistance ) he is still facing a long rehabilitation process with both his speech and cognitive skills due to the Aphasia. Unfortunately, his insurance only covers three weeks at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and the only other rehab facilities that can handle brain trauma like Matt’s are out of state and not covered under insurance.
Matt will need care for a much longer period. According to his team of doctors it is imperative he receives sustained treatment at this facility to reduce and reverse the affects of his condition. Needless to say these facilities are not cheap without insurance.
The good news is there is a way to help Matt and his family.
- Betterment and Matt Isenberg’s Friends Fundraiser – October 8th
Join Betterment and Matt’s friends and family on October 8th at 1 p.m. at Joe’s Bar on Weed Street in Chicago. This fundraiser will serve as an opportunity for everyone to get together to support the Isenberg’s, connect with old friends and watch the Illinois vs. Indiana game. As a long time supporter of the University of Illinois and it’s alumni, Joe’s has generously rallied behind the cause and will be offering a wrist band special for anyone attending that day.
Tickets are $35 with $20 of the proceeds going to the Matt Isenberg Fund, each person who purchases a wrist band will receive open bar beginning 1/2 hour before the game and ending 1/2 hour after the game (approximately 3 hrs). Raffles, Silent Auction, and other prizes will be offered. You can start your bidding on silent auction items prior to the event by clicking here. Doors open at 11am, kickoff is at 1:30.
We have an unbelievable silent auction planned so come prepared to bid on sports tickets, memorabilia, vacation homes, health and beauty services….AND….some incredible money can’t buy experiences donated including Super Bowl Tickets and a cameo appearance on NBC’s top rated show CHUCK!!
If you can support the event by sharing an auction item or your volunteer time, please call (410)394-9868 or email [email protected]. Your help is truly appreciated.
- Donate to the Matt Isenberg Fund at PNC Bank. You can donate directly to this fund by clicking on the link ( http://mattisenbergfund.bbnow.org/donate.php ). This link will allow you to securely make a tax deductible donation directly into their account via credit card (Pay Pal).
- Spread the word! Please forward this information to your friends, family and social network.
