Hi everyone, this is Matt Ernst, and I’m reaching out because life has been incredibly difficult lately, and I’m really in need of some help. Many of you already know that I was in a serious motorcycle accident on October 27, 2025, but I haven’t been able to explain much because I still don’t remember the crash at all. The impact wiped out everything from that moment. I just woke up in the hospital confused, hurting, and being told I’d need several surgeries to even begin recovering.

I was taken to Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, where everything moved fast. On October 28, they had to surgically clean and repair a deep laceration in my knee. On October 29, I had pelvic surgery with two screws inserted. On October 30, I had a full hip replacement. About a week later, I had surgery to repair my broken orbital bone and cheekbone. In total, I spent 17 days in the hospital dealing with a broken pelvis, facial fractures, a broken ankle, two fractured metatarsals, and significant trauma to my knee.

One thing that gave me peace during that time was knowing my dog, Kratos, was being looked after. A group of friends stepped up immediately and cared for him the entire time I was in the hospital. Kratos means everything to me, and I’m beyond grateful for the people who made sure he was safe when I couldn’t be there.

Before all this happened, I ran my own heating, plumbing, and air-conditioning business. I’ve always worked hard, stayed on my feet, and taken pride in helping others. Now I’m home in a wheelchair, facing daily pain, limited mobility, and a long recovery ahead. Not being able to work has hit me really hard. The medical bills from all the surgeries, imaging, specialists, and therapy are overwhelming, and my regular living expenses keep piling up.

It’s not easy for me to ask for help, but I’m doing it because I truly need it. If you’re able to donate or even share my story, it would mean more than I can ever express. Thank you to everyone who has supported me already — your kindness is helping me get through one of the toughest times of my life.

 ~Matt