2nd Annual Matt Ruiz Benefit Golf Tournament

It's that time again for friends and family to come together in support of Matt.

Here are links to the Entry Form and Poster for you to print out and/or send in.

Download/Print Entry Form: Click Here
Download/Print Poster: Click Here

As many of you are aware, Matt Ruiz was involved in a devastating car accident last year on the eve of March 28, 2008. Our family has been blessed to have the outpouring of support and encouragement of out friends and community members including you.

As a result of Matt’s accident, he struggled through a month-long coma and was hospitalized for a period of approximately five (5) months. It goes without saying that Matt’s condition is serious and both he and out entire family strive every day to remain positive as we face immeasurable medical challenges with him. It was determined, after tests, that Matt has sustained a traumatic brain injury from the impact of the accident.

What this means for Matt is that he is currently confined to a wheelchair is unable to speak and absorbs nutrients through a feeding tube. At present, his condition has been quite grim, however, Matt has recently made strides with his full-time caretakers and occupational therapist. While we’re excited to continue this level of care for Matt, we are unable to afford the prohibitive costs. Our family believes that with continued support and the proper medical attention that Matt will prevail. We know his spirit coupled with the continued support of our family and friends that Matt will transcend this tragedy to eventually triumph.

We’re writing to share of Matt’s progress and also to respectfully ask for your help and direct support. We’re teaming up with both Vision International and the Maderas Golf Club to host a fun-filled Golf Outing, to raise funds that will go directly to continue funding further care for Matt.

We invite you to join in the festivities and become a member of Matt’s winning team. We would be honored to have you with us for the day of golf scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2009 at 1 p.m. entry cost is $150.00 and/or we would welcome your consideration in providing a charitable contribution to our planned auction and opportunity drawing.

Any donations provided by a private person or organization would receive prominent recognition at our opportunity drawing/live auction display area and verbal acknowledgement in the presence of all guests.

On behalf of both Matt and our family, thank you in advance for your consideration of our request. If you have any questions, or if we may provide you with anything additional, please contact me directly as (760) 484-2767. We hope you can be with us.

With tremendous hope and gratitude,

Lindsey Smith (Matt’s Girlfriend)

Benefit Coordinator

Here are links to the Entry Form and Poster for you to print out and/or send in.

Download/Print Entry Form: Click Here
Download/Print Poster: Click Here

Golf Registration Form

Hi everyone, as you can see I have put up a registration form for everyone to take a look at. If you are interested in playing, sponsoring, or donating please let me know asap so i can get a registration form to you. This year we have a tax ID number from our main sponsor Vision International. If anyone has any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you!

July 3rd, 2008

July 2nd I went to speech therapy w/ Matt. I Really pushed him to do what we asked of him. I sorta stepped in and took over because I wanted results. Matt has to be pushed. He needs continuous pushing to do what we know he can do. Its what I like to call tough love. Its hard to be gruff with him but He did it. We also have to be excited about the things we are asking him to do. For example the girls at SDSU hooked a radio up to a push button, so all Matt had to do was push and hold the button to play music. If we get excited to hear the music and get into it then it will excite him more to do it. He does get a little angry when we raise our voices and really push at one thing, but he will do it.
That same Night I came over and watched a movie with him. I laid in his bed next to him while watching the movie. I turned my body sideways to the left. I Fell asleep and when I woke up he had snuggled up next to me, arms around me, head on mine.Opening my eyes to see his sleeping face next to mine felt so amazing! It felt normal again. I wanted to freeze time and remember it forever! When I get those moments with him my heart just aches. It makes me want more and more.
Today I went over to his house and stood on the bench over him and made him push his right hand up to me. I Had him place his hand on my thigh and move it down half way to my knee, then back up for arm control. Every time I told him to reach for me he did. He continued doing this with me for about 10 minutes. You can only keep Matt's attention for a short period of time with certain things unless he enjoys what he's doing.
We had alone time together which we don't normally have, so it was nice. He really focused on what I was saying. I really felt like I had my boyfriend back. It was a pretty amazing feeling. I got Lots of kisses. Communication between us was pretty amazing too. I'd ask for a kiss and he would give me one. I asked for a hug and he would give me one.
I told him while I was crying like a baby, (I really need to stop doing that) that I needed him back. I just missed him like crazy! I needed him to get better, I just needed him to tell me everything will be okay. He just lifted his arm up and put it on my shoulder, and I buried my face in his chest. I kind of felt bad afterward because He had a tear in his eye. I told him I was sorry for being so emotional, It's just that there are days and moments that I can't deal with it all and I just want to snap my fingers and have everything go back to normal. I want him so badly. There's so much going on in my life that I want to share with him and do with him.
I know there is light at the end of this road though and that's why I'm holding on to him. If I have to, I'll hold on forever.