One year later: Matt Bowen adapts to life after spring break accident
When Utah State University student Matt Bowen was body surfing in California during spring break of 2015, a powerful wave came over him. He hit his head on the ocean floor and broke his C5 vertebrae.
During the past year, Matt has been adapting to his new life as a quadriplegic. He is consistently moving forward with a positive outlook on life, thanks to support from his friends and family.
As of today, he is able to move his wrists and the tops of his forearms. From about mid-chest down, he is paralyzed. Matt recalled the difficulties he had right after leaving the hospital.
“I was completely independent and did whatever I wanted, but then it went to everyone taking care of me … I had to work at just sitting in a chair,” he said.
After a few months in the hospital, Matt attended physical therapy for three weeks and met people in similar situations. He explained that it turned into a good experience for him.
“It was nice to meet other people that were just like me,” he said. “We would bounce ideas off of each other on learning how to become independent again.”
Matt is now taking classes through Utah State University and is also working on getting his real estate license.
Sloan Jones, Matt’s girlfriend of about five months, has been there for Matt during the recovery process. They knew each other before the accident and she was grateful for their situation because they were already good friends.
“It’s hard to see him go through this, but I try and put myself in his position,” Sloan said. “It helps me to have more compassion and see things from his perspective. He is motivated, dedicated and he’s doing awesome. He continues to amaze me every day.”
Steve, Matt’s older brother, has also been a big supporter in his recovery. Although different doctors have different perspective on Matt’s condition, Steve has never given up hope.
“I honestly don’t think he’ll be in a chair forever,” Steve explained. “He may be in a wheelchair for the next 10 years, but there might be something after that that can help him walk again. It’s nice to see his progress and it’s encouraging to see him moving.”
Steve went on to explain what their father, Gary, has advised for the family. Life is how it is, Gary said, and you adapt and overcome the situation.
“The family has adapted, and we’re overcoming it, and that’s who we are now,” Steve said. “It’s brought us really close. It’s nice to have moments where it’s just me and him. We used to not have that.”
Matt said his mother and father have been by his side from the beginning. Matt’s mother, Vickie, works with him every day to help him in any way she can. Gary, Matt’s father, works to support his family and said he will always be there for Matt.
A few months after the accident, a GoFundMe account was set up for Matt to help his family with the cost of medical bills. As of today, the account has raised over $30,000. The support came from people all over the world and their family was overwhelmed with this expression of love.
The Bowen family also created a Facebook page — Miracles for Matt — with updates of Matt’s progress for his friends and supporters. Matt’s story has reached many people from all over, having onlookers calling him an inspiration in their own lives because of his positive perspective.
“I don’t feel amazing,” Matt said. “I just live. I’ve always thought that I can either sit here and be upset at the situation, or I can say ‘it is what is’ and work through it.” Matt’s brother Steve gave Matt some wise words to live by.
“I have only 10 minutes a day to be sad, but that’s it,” Matt recalled.
Matt says that this phrase helps keep his spirits high and encourages him to continue looking for positive improvements in the future.
For more information about helping Matt or seeing his progress, visit facebook.com/miracles for matt. You can also make a donation to him by visiting gofundme.com/miraclesformatt.
—allennicole75@gmail.com