Accident Disabled Matthew Seeks Help To Rebuild Life

by Matthew Cruz
(Ridge, NY, USA)

My name is Matthew Cruz. I'm telling my story because I need help badly.

I am 29. I got into a severe car accident when working late in constructing a power plant for a local union local 7 in Long Island NY in 2006.

I was not used to the shift change hours and it was 3:00 in the morning.

I was going to my fiancé's house, which at the time I was not familiar with because we just started dating.

I took a wrong turn and got lost and ended up in Brookhaven National Laboratory.

I crashed inside the lab somehow. I believe it was because it was not properly lit. I tried suing the Lab but nothing came from it.

The next thing I remember after the accident was looking at strangers. At the time I did not know it was my family and friends.

After years of physical therapy and being in a great program RES that helps people with TBI I am recovering little by little.

I am hoping one day to get back to the only trade I know -- construction. I hope one day I can live a normal life.

I will never quit trying to better myself and live the American dream. I love America. If my accident had occurred anywhere else, I would not be writing this letter.

With a 1% chance I was given to live, I pray and give thanks to the great doctors and nurses, and everyone who gave me a second chance.

I am getting married in August 2010 and I am so scared that I cannot provide for my soon-to-be wife.

I am very diligent and a very hard worker and with some help I know I can be successful.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, Matt.