University alumnus Matthew Hasek, 31, who has cerebral palsy, works with his fiancee and caretaker, Tyra Bramlett, to open a subpoena delivery service in Eugene. Bramlett said she regrets that many employers cannot see pas
University alumnus Matthew Hasek’s 31 years of life have been filled with challenges, but today he is busy preparing to start his own business, spending time with his fiancee and helping other people with disabilities live more comfortably.
Hasek, who has cerebral palsy, graduated from the University in 1997, double-majoring in history and political science. During his time at the University, he served on the ASUO Student Senate and the EMU Board of Directors, and because of his efforts, a ramp was installed in the student section of Autzen Stadium.
Determined to succeed
Hasek’s determination was evident by his time spent at the University. He put himself through school with the aid of student loans, and despite having to rely on notetakers to assist him during class, he did not struggle academically.
“Learning wasn’t difficult,” he said. “It was just about trying to apply myself and study.”
In addition to studying to complete requirements for two majors, Hasek was also involved in campus activities, such as the EMU board.
Jim Long, senior instructor in chemistry, worked with Hasek on the EMU board in the mid-1990s.
“An overall impression I had from knowing Matthew is that he seemed to have kind of a sparkle,” he said.
Long said one big project Hasek devoted himself to was consolidating and organizing EMU space so as many student groups as possible could use the area.
“It was a very active year with him on board. More active than others,” he said.
Besides the work Hasek did for the board, Long said he was inspired by the student.
“If I had cerebral palsy, I’d probably be grumpy, frustrated and difficult, but Matt isn’t,” he said. “He just keeps cooking. He’s probably got two or three other things in the fire we don’t know about.”
Although Hasek is now unemployed, he spends his days working with the employees of The Chamberlin House, Inc., in Albany, a group home for people with disabilities.
Hasek said he gives employees insights about what it’s like for the clients and offers suggestions to make the clients more comfortable.
“I provide an insightful perspective of my clients’ points of view,” he said. “It might be a person’s first job, and lots of people have no idea what it’s like to work in a home.”
Hasek said he is more than familiar about living in group homes, so his goal is to see that care providers properly watch over residents.
“I think more time needs to be spent on the clients’ needs and less time spent on their paperwork,” he said.
Unfortunate circumstances
A twist of fate left Hasek with cerebral palsy when he was only eight months old.
“To put a long story in a nutshell: There were lots of complications that should not have happened,” Hasek said.
When he was a baby, Hasek had trouble with his windpipe and esophagus, so he underwent an exploratory procedure. There were complications after the procedure and Hasek went into cardiac arrest. Doctors immediately ordered a resuscitator for him, but it was delivered to the wrong floor.
“I was left unattended for about eight minutes without any oxygen,” he said. “Damage had been done to my nervous system, and I wound up with cerebral palsy.”
Hasek has no control of his body and uses an electric wheelchair. Talking is a challenge for him because it takes time to utter his words.
In 1972, his parents were killed by a drunken driver. Hasek was three years old. His grandparents were physically unable to take care of his needs, so he spent the rest of his childhood in foster-care institutions and group-home facilities.
Despite the devastating loss, Hasek’s spirit has remained strong.
“I love hearing people say I can’t do something,” Hasek said. “This makes me keep trying, because I always try to look at the big picture of life and not get worried.”
Making something of himself
More than anything, Hasek wants people to know he is self-sufficient. He plans to open a subpoena delivery service, Hasek Subpoena Services, that he and his fiancee and caretaker, Tyra Bramlett, will run together. Bramlett will drive, but both will hand-deliver subpoenas for attorneys around Eugene.
“Right now, I’m just trying to test the water to see if there’s a definite need for it, but I think there is,” he said. “All you need to do is open the phone book and see all those attorneys.”
Hasek said his longtime attraction to the legal system prompted his new plan.
“I’ve always had an interest in law and attending law school, so this will give me insight and employment,” Hasek said.
Bramlett said she and Hasek met each other last October after talking on the Internet.
“A few days after we talked over the computer, we went on our first date, and it felt like we were meant for each other,” Bramlett said.
Hasek proposed on New Year’s Eve and struggled to put the ring on her finger, but he did it by himself, she said. “I was proud of him.”
Bramlett said she is trying to help Hasek get the subpoena company started by sending out fliers to local attorneys. She said employers often don’t want to give him a chance because they cannot see past his disability.
“He wants to do something with his life,” she said. “He wants to show that he’s worth something.”