Student is grateful for community’s support

My name is Matthew Peltz and I am a 17-year-old senior at Marl-boro High School. On Jan. 6 I was heading to get something to eat before a basketball game with a few friends and teammates. In an instant, my life changed drastically. I was struck by a van on Route 79 and propelled 15 feet in the air before hitting the pavement. While that day is a blur to me now, what is very clear are the efforts of the Marlboro police and first aid squad. Their response time and expertise were instrumental in keeping me alive and transporting me as quickly as possible to Jersey Shore University Medical Cen-ter. To these people I will be eternally grateful.

At the medical center, the trauma team, headed by Dr. Stephen Becker, and the pediatric intensive care unit, headed by Dr. Samuel Thomas III, gave me their utmost medical aid to stabilize and sustain my life. Their tireless effort is extremely visible in every step I take today.

The outpouring of concern from my community was perpetual throughout my entire stay at the medical center. Relatives, friends, teammates, strangers within the community, and especially Marlboro High School Principal James Mullevey came together to help support my family throughout this very trying, traumatic time. Everyone’s prayers and unconditional support were heartfelt by my family at a time when they needed it most.

I could never express the emotions and gratitude I have for all the well-wishers and those concerned. This near-death experience has shown me how generous and caring people really are and what friendship truly means.

After 20 days in a coma and eight months in various rehabilitation centers, I have relearned how to eat, walk and talk. Be grateful for even the simplest things in life and never take anything for granted. Today I am attending a cognitive rehabilitation school where I continually strive for a full recovery and my return to Marl-boro High School. I would also like to thank all the people at this rehabilitation school be-cause they, too, have worked tirelessly in helping me to return to the same person I once was, cognitively.

I’m especially looking forward to seeing you all during better times.

Matthew Peltz

Marlboro