Former Plymouth Assistant United Methodist Pastor, Matt Pickut, continues to show the kind of determination that he is well known for encouraging in others.
In February of 2012, Pickut suffered an anoxic brain injury. According to his wife, Barbie, Matt had a strep infection that became septic, causing septic shock. The shock caused his heart to stop while in ICU, and despite immediate and relatively brief CPR and the fact that his body wasn’t working correctly due to the infection, the result was the brain injury.
Although still unable to speak, Matt is now learning to use an eye-gaze operated computer that allows him to convey his thoughts. The program manufactured by Tobii, can pick up where the eyes focus, much like using a mouse. In the program, he can select or move to tiles on the screen that represent different words or phrases and the computer will read them aloud.
Barbie Pickut said, “I am so encouraged and grateful to see his progress with learning to use it. It is clear he is working hard and motivated to use it.”
Barbie referred to learning to communicate with the Tobii program as a “learning curve”. She said, “It’s hard to learn how to look at the right spot to select what you want, hold your gaze long enough to trigger it without triggering over and over.” According to Barbie, Matt had lost the ability to follow people with his eyes and had to work hard to regain the skill.
So far, Matt has been able to use some of the communication screens to say what he wants to do and how he is feeling; but Barbie believes he is also getting close to enough dexterity to use the screen keyboard so he can type out what he wants to say.
She said, “I am really hoping this works well for him so I can hear original Matt thoughts again.” “It is clear that he is motivated by his love for our daughter and for other important people in his life.”
Barbie and their four-year-old daughter Abi visit Matt on the weekends at the Manorcare at Summertrace in Carmel. Just last weekend, they were able to set up van transportation so Matt could have his first visit outside of the facility, except for doctor’s appointments.
Every Tuesday night, the family can visit over Skype. The United Methodist Men at St. Mark’s UMC in Carmel take turns setting up Matt’s computer and make the call home.
Barbie shared her appreciation for the help of friends and neighbors. She said, “This is such a supportive community, and we are grateful for our friends here as well as for family support.” She said they have been helped with travel expense, child care for Abi, yard work, and so many other things. “I am constantly amazed and grateful at how people have persevered in prayer and care about Matt, and how willing they are to keep pace with us on this marathon.” She said. “We couldn’t do this alone, and we haven’t had to.”
Although Barbie would like for Matt to be closer to home, she thinks the therapies he is receiving at the facility in Carmel are excellent and he has access to specialists familiar with his type of brain injury. She said, “God provides ways to sustain us even as our lives are divided.”
Matt provided spiritual guidance for many over the years. Prior to coming to Plymouth in 2007, he was at Monon United Methodist church for seven years and had served as the youth pastor at Flora and Bringhurst UMC’s.
While in Plymouth, Matt was an assistant speech and debate coach for Plymouth High School in addition to his duties at the Methodist Church.
Barbie knows that Matt’s message is still being heard. She said, “I have seen for years how much Matt wants people to grow in their knowledge and service of God, in relationship with Him, and if this hard circumstance can be a catalyst for growth, I believe it would bring him satisfaction.” “I hope soon he can tell us that himself though Tobii.” she added.
Carol Anders Correspondent
