“No, I reckon there wasn’t very much to do in the summertime, but it got to be September before you knew it, with the big salt-water fish beginning to run, and the high, moon-swollen tides to make the marsh-hen shooting easy on the first big norther.”
--Robert Ruark, The Old Man and the Boy
Fishing for Brandon
Three years ago Brandon Matthews was working on a deer stand and fell 30 feet from a magnolia tree. The fall broke his c-6 vertebrae, damaged his spinal cord, and left him paralyzed from the chest down. Over time, Brandon has regained movement in his arms, but has no use of his hands or legs. The accident did not break Brandon’s spirit, will, or trademark drive.
He survived an unbelievable hospital ordeal, healing one thing at a time – shattered vertebrae and arms, fluid in his lungs. After treatment and rehab and the rally of both Wilmington and Southport communities, the reality of his accident set in. His arms and neck were mostly functional, but his hands and lower body were not. For a guy like Brandon – outdoors man, athlete, writer, chef, builder – this was tough to swallow.
These few years have been all about moving forward. First, and most importantly, Brandon married Kerry Madore in November. Just like he is the best fisherman I know, she is the ultimate first mate. With the help of Kerry, and adaptive devices that allow him to type, brush his teeth, and hold a fishing rod, Brandon is moving forward. And, even without hand function, he’s driving a specially rigged pickup truck. Knowing Brandon, he’s probably been 4-wheeling in it already.
As a friend who wishes I could be around more, do more, fix more – I know every day in my buddy’s life is not positive. Even though he is the ultimate fighter and has a great sense of humor, I know he can’t do this without us.
With the help of the Southport community, Kerry Matthews and the tournament committee are pleased to invite you to the 3rd Annual Bay Creek Classic Flounder Tournament. Entry fees, donations, auction and raffle purchases will all be donated to The Brandon Matthews Fund – an ongoing trust that has already funded surgeries, treatment, and allowed Brandon to purchase the truck that he drives with his wrists.
There is a future opportunity for Brandon to undergo tendon bypass surgery on his hands. After that, the horizon is endless – handshakes, job opportunities, driving a boat. The Bay Creek Classic Tournament, The Brandon Matthews Fund, and this fishing community can bring that horizon closer to home.
Brandon is the definition of an outdoors man. He lived and breathed fishing for at least 28 years, and his passions for history, cooking, and exploring developed out of that time in the woods and water. He is a great emblem of “Old Southport” and the tradition of Robert Ruark. Just the same, he represents the new generations of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. This tournament is a dedication to and reflection of Brandon and the invaluable Cape Fear River. We look forward to seeing all of you in September – and from Brandon and the staff – WEIGH HEAVY!!