Fundraiser Started To Help Mahwah Coach On Path To Healing, Recovery

MAHWAH, NJ — Essential to a strong community is a responsibility to help others who are struggling, and Bergen County has proved, again and again, it meets the definition.

A response, nay an "outpouring of love and support" for local teacher and coach Matt Wilson, who suffered a serious medical emergency about a week ago, has been absolutely beautiful, said Kasey Kelly, an organizer of a fundraiser that has raised more than $60,000 in just six days.

"It gives me chills — the way in which Bergen County has stepped up for one of our own," Kelly said. "It feels like something out of a movie how quickly this cause spread and gained traction. It makes you proud to be part of such an empathetic community."

Wilson, a Mahwah youth sports coach and Ramsey public school teacher, is "known and beloved by students for his humor, infectious personality, easygoing nature, and all-around positive energy," the GoFundMe page said of him.

The husband and father of two recently suffered a medical emergency, the effects of which are still unknown at this time, the fundraiser said.

He and his wife Suzanne Wilson are colleagues of fundraiser organizers Kelly and Russell Martone, who have worked with them for several years at Eric S. Smith Middle School. Matt Wilson teaches science at Smith, and coaches boys lacrosse and is involved with youth football in Mahwah.

"Matt and Suzanne are always the first people to jump up to help anyone in need, so now that they've found themselves in a difficult situation, we wanted a chance to give back to them," Kelly said.

She said that she and Martone organized the fundraiser as a way to ensure the family could focus on his health and recovery without financial concerns weighing so heavily.

"Matt's family (is) at the hospital round the clock providing support, comfort and prayers to get him through this time," the fundraiser said. "This is sure to be a long, arduous road for the family, and they are in need of our friendship now more than ever."

In addition, another Ramsey teacher, Melissa Garcia, set up a popcorn sale with her students, and partnered with CYCLEBAR in Montvale to sponsor a charity ride on March 25, each with proceeds going to the GoFundMe.

Parents are also organizing collections of gift cards and letters from Wilson's students.

"Please consider contributing in an effort to help offset the costs of their medical bills, childcare, home, food, and any additional expenses that may arise," the fundraiser said.

"Our love and prayers are with Matt, and we hope to help support the Wilson family in any way we can."