A winter holiday in the Caribbean turned into a nightmare for a New Jersey family after their teenage son, a university gymnast, suffered a devastating fall that left him with life-threatening injuries.
A Family Holiday Shattered by Tragedy
Matthew Polaski, a freshman at the University of Alabama, was on winter break with his parents, Michael and Stephanie, and younger brother, Evan, in the Dominican Republic. The 19-year-old, who competes in gymnastics and recently joined the Sigma Pi fraternity, suffered a serious fall on Sunday. The family has not disclosed the circumstances of the accident.
The fall resulted in multiple skull fractures, a fractured pelvis, and fractures to his lower back vertebrae. He was rushed to a local hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery to reduce swelling on his brain, a procedure that likely saved his life. He remained in critical condition and was placed in a medically induced coma to stabilise him.
International Rescue and Mounting Costs
In a complex medical evacuation, Polaski was transported by an international medical flight to a hospital in Miami, where he arrived at 4pm on Tuesday. His mother was by his side during the flight. The financial burden on the family is immense. Friends organising a fundraiser revealed the hospital in the Dominican Republic has already billed nearly $75,000, with the air ambulance alone expected to cost an additional $35,000 to $55,000.
John Clark, a family friend who set up the GoFundMe page with the help of Thomas Egan, explained that insurance provides little coverage for international care. "Our goal is to help ease the financial burden so Mike and Steph can focus entirely on Matthew’s recovery," they wrote. As of Wednesday evening, the campaign had raised more than $180,000.
Signs of Hope in a Long Recovery
Clark provided a cautious update on Wednesday, stating Polaski is being treated by a large medical team in Miami. Early assessments brought some relief: imaging showed the skull fracture had not damaged his carotid artery, which would have deprived parts of his brain of blood. "Such good news!" Clark wrote.
There have been encouraging early signs of neurological response. Polaski has moved his arms and legs in response to chest stimulation, begun moving on his own, opened his mouth, and squeezed his mother's hand. "I can’t imagine how many tears Steph had in that moment," Clark noted. Doctors have since sedated him further to reduce his activity.
Described as a "hardworking, respectful young man with a deep passion for gymnastics," Polaski now faces an uncertain road to recovery. His family, known for their unwavering support of his dreams, now confronts the challenge of surgeries, recovery, and long-term care. Clark added, "This will not be a quick journey but I think so many indication’s that it will be a good path to a great outcome."
