Friend’s surgery left him with multiple things to overcome: re-learning to walk, cognitive symptoms, body pain, fatigue, balance, headaches, double vision, slowing or loss of developmental progress and more.
Friend credits most of his success — the drive to keep going and to keep smiling — to the incredible people he has in his life. His friends and especially his family members who have been by his side since day one.
“Having the support from my friends and family is amazing,” Friend said. “I don’t think I would be able to do what I am doing if I didn’t have that support. I mean, what I am going through is very frustrating, but being able to pick up the phone and talk to my friends that understand what I am going through is, I can’t even put it into words. It’s amazing. Having that support is so helpful in this whole journey.
Throughout his videos, you can tell the love he has for his family and the love they reciprocate right back. In many videos, friends and family members make guest appearances — helping Matt, laughing with Matt, and supporting him through his multiple doctor and PT visits.Did we mention he also has local ties?in Jacksonville because of the staff and its reputation.
“They have the best doctors in the world,” Friend said. “The place is nicer than the hotel was. It is a very nice facility and the doctors are very knowledgeable and it was a great situation.”