On Sunday June 6th, Matt Hamilton suffered from a stroke while surfing in his Pro Dropknee semi final of the USBA Huntington Beach Event.  He was pulled from the water and taken to Hoag Hospital.  There he underwent a six and half hour surgery to clear the blood clot that had taken over the left side of his brain, which had left him completely paralyzed on that side. The removal of the clot was a success and Matt was moved to Hoag’s ICU department. Matt is being taken care of by the same Dr that performed surgery on Alternative Surf’s Ron Ziebell.  In fact Matt was oddly enough admitted to the same room as Ron. Needless to say he is in the best hands capable. Matt’s significant other Jessica Eldrige, has been by his side 24-7 to support and let him know that all his friends and family are there and praying for a quick recovery. Matt’s skill and love for the sport of bodyboarding will be highly missed while he begins to walk down his long road to recovery.  Matt has been an incredible person and father ever since the birth of his son Cody and with Jessica and her daughter Grace whom Matt calls his own daughter, they pray for any one and every one who is listening to help in any way possible. With Matt in the hospital and out of work there is no means of income to pay for the rent on their Dana Point apartment. The registration on their vehicle has just expired and the car needs to be smog checked, in order to get the new tags so Jess can drive to and from the places she needs.  Those are just a few examples of problems to be encountered (other than Matt’s obvious injury) that the Hamilton/Eldrige family could use your grateful donations for. Matt’s Mom and Sister (Patty & Crystal) have been available to take care of Cody so that he doesn’t have to endure the germ-infested surroundings the hospital has to offer, for too long. It has only been three days since this unbelievable event begun and it has taken a hard toll on all that are close to Matt. 

I have known Matt and Jess for a long time and feel so grateful to know and be a part of their lives. That is why I have took it upon myself to take care of anything and everything possible, to ensure that the road to recovery is as smooth as possible for Matt and his family.  With this website I will be able to communicate to all those that care and want to be a part of the action but can’t make it in person. I will post daily updates of his condition as well as his family’s. I encourage anyone and everyone to pray and to let the entire bodyboarding community know of Matt’s unfortunate event. Matt is one of my closet friends and I would give my life for him if needed. Please feel free to leave comments, kind remarks, prayers, jokes, words of wisdom, or any thoughts you want to convey to Matt and his family. There is the Donate link at the top of the page, for all those who are kind enough to share for Matt’s cause. I will be constantly monitoring all emails and donations to make sure everyone who shares their kindness is well acknowledged, appreciated, and thanked with the most sincerity possible. If you have any suggestions, comments, or add-ons for Matt’s web page please email me at the info provided under the contact link above. Thank you all so very much and cant wait for Matt’s full recovery day.

BEST WISHES TO ALL, THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT

-Alex Gero