Help support Matt, Brittney, and their three boys as they navigate a long road of healing, rehabilitation, and rebuilding life after a devastating plane crash.
On May 5, 2026, Matt Punt of Wasilla, Alaska, was critically injured in a fiery plane crash. Remarkably, he was able to extract himself from the aircraft and get far enough away for nearby paramedics to reach him and provide lifesaving care.
Matt was air-transferred from Anchorage to Harborview Medical Center's regional burn unit in Seattle, where he began an extraordinary fight for his life and recovery.
He sustained extreme severe burns over much of his body, along with multiple traumatic injuries. After extensive surgeries and efforts to save his left leg, Matt underwent an above-knee amputation on May 22. He also suffered significant injuries to his right foot and ankle, extensive skin loss requiring grafting, and the eventual amputation of four fingertips on his right hand.
What followed were months of surgeries, wound care, intensive rehabilitation, and countless prayers. And we have witnessed remarkable answers to those prayers. Matt survived injuries that could have taken his life. He has endured extensive skin grafting, begun bearing weight on his remaining leg, regained significant independence in daily activities, and made tremendous progress through rehabilitation. On August 17, after more than three months in Seattle, Matt finally returned to Alaska, where he has continued recovering at Maple Springs, a skilled nursing facility near his family. But while Matt's progress is remarkable, his recovery is far from over.
THE LONG ROAD
Matt continues to face significant challenges involving his hands, right foot and ankle, amputated leg, and extensively burned and grafted skin. His hands have developed severe scar contractures that restrict movement and gripping. Both pinkies have tendon-related issues, and his right hand will require complex reconstructive procedures to address the tight webbing between his fingers. His right foot continues to experience swelling and significant loss of sensation, making balance and mobility especially challenging.
And while Matt is eager to begin walking with a prosthetic, the skin on his amputated leg remains extremely fragile. It must become strong enough to tolerate the pressure and friction of a prosthetic socket without developing new wounds. Matt is working tirelessly toward greater mobility, independence, and restoration.
His days remain filled with physical therapy, occupational therapy, hand therapy, wound care, specialist appointments, and ongoing rehabilitation. Future surgeries and additional trips to Harborview may still be necessary. He is now preparing for the next major milestone: transitioning from skilled nursing care back home to Brittney and their boys.
BRINGING MATT HOME
After months apart, the Punt family is eagerly anticipating the day Matt can return home.
Friends and supporters have been helping make their home more accessible, including installing an elevator to accommodate Matt's mobility needs.
But coming home will not mean the end of intensive care. Matt is expected to continue spending many hours each weekday attending rehabilitation, wound care, and other appointments. The family is working through transportation, accessibility, scheduling, and the many practical details necessary to make this transition possible.
Meanwhile, Brittney continues homeschooling their three boys and managing the daily responsibilities of family life while coordinating Matt's ongoing recovery. Their need for practical help and community support remains substantial.
WHY YOUR SUPPORT STILL MATTERS
The Punt family's journey has changed dramatically since May, but the need for support continues. With Matt unable to return to his normal work and Brittney's time devoted to their children and Matt's recovery, the family continues navigating significant financial and practical challenges. Contributions help provide stability and support for needs such as:
- Replacing lost household income while Matt and Brittney are unable to work as they normally would.
- Travel and lodging for specialist visits, future procedures, and possible returns to Harborview in Seattle.
- Transportation and accessibility, including adapting their home and daily routines to Matt's changing mobility needs.
- Everyday household and family expenses while they navigate this demanding season.
- Practical support for their three boys, including the needs surrounding homeschooling, activities, and family life.
- The many unexpected needs that continue arising throughout a long and complex recovery.
The full extent of Matt's long-term needs is still unfolding, and this journey will likely continue for years. Every gift helps give this family room to focus on healing, being together, and moving forward.
SURROUNDED BY THE BODY OF CHRIST
Matt and Brittney have deep roots across several states. Brittney grew up in North Dakota, Matt grew up in northwest Iowa, and after marrying, they lived in Iowa and Missouri before making their home in Alaska.
We are rallying their Alaskan, North Dakotan, Iowan, and Missourian friends, family, churches, and communities to continue doing what the Body of Christ does best:
Coming alongside one another in prayer, presence, encouragement, generosity, and practical love. We have seen God's faithfulness throughout this journey, and we are continuing to believe Him for complete healing and restoration.
Please keep praying for Matt's hands, his right foot and ankle, complete healing of his skin, his prosthetic journey, and the strength and provision needed for the whole family.
And please keep showing up. Even as the updates become less frequent and the recovery becomes less visible, the need for community has not gone away.
PRACTICAL WAYS TO HELP
GIVE DIRECTLY
You can contribute through this GiveSendGo fundraiser or give directly through Venmo:
https://account.venmo.com/u/Brittney-Punt
AMAZON WISH LIST
Items purchased from this list will be delivered directly to the Punt family's home in Alaska:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2ZVZZQ5WYXIR3?ref_=wl_share
BIG MATT'S COMEBACK MOOSE MERCH
All proceeds benefit the Punt family:
https://www.bonfire.com/store/bigmattscomeback/
TRAVEL AND LODGING SUPPORT
If you have hotel points, Airbnb connections or air miles you could toss their way for followup travel to Seattle when needed, contact Shannon Johnson: 907-315-0711
PACKAGES, LETTERS, ARTWORK, CHECKS AND CORRESPONDENCE
If you want to send the Punt family packages, gift cards, checks, letters, artwork or correspondence, text Chandler Santiago: 580-306-4727
FOLLOW MATT'S JOURNEY
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bigmattscomeback/
Watch the testimony shared about Matt's accident and recovery:
https://www.youtube.com/live/kUcCWcIBTfM?is=fNBfaz7l-5x37jtu
Prayer & Worship Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4kANepTOc0gO7K4IRqmZtv
Thank you for continuing to wrap around the Punt family.
Your prayers, generosity, encouragement, and practical support have carried them through the most difficult months of their lives. There is still a long road ahead, but they are not walking it alone.
#bigMattscomeback
