By Vernon Matters Staff

Vernon couple deals with major injuries to son in Portugal

Jul 6, 2019 | 10:29 PM

A Vernon couple is in need of support as they deal with devastating news.

Janet and Luiz Araujo need help to bring their son, Matthew, home from Portugal after he suffered a catastrophic fall while traveling there.

He has very serious injuries and will require months in the hospital and then many more months of rehab.

His injuries include a seriously fractured foot which he has had surgery on and will hopefully be saved vs being amputated, as well as a broken tailbone, pelvis and several vertebrae.

Janet and Luiz have flown to Portugal to be with Matthew as long as it takes until he’s stable enough to be flown back to Canada.

Charger rollout

Phased approach planned for EV chargers at Vernon ALC

Apr 24, 2026

Secondary Dwellings

Coldstream considering more housing on agricultural lands

Apr 24, 2026

Wildfire Risks

Okanagan's Fire Danger Rating already up to Moderate

Apr 23, 2026

“They have mounting medical costs for Mathew’s care, as he did not have current medical insurance, and the public hospitals in Portugal are sub-par due to medical strikes going on,” said Anne Longley, a friend of the Araujo’s.

Another friend of theirs has created a Go-Fund me page to help them which you can find here.

Janet and Luiz live and work at Predator Ridge – Luiz is a home checker, Block Watch Captain and Firesmart organizer and was the Operations Manager during the 55+ Games in Vernon two years ago .

He is also a retired L. Col in the Canadian Forces and worked as an attache in many places around the world, .

Janet currently works for Sotheby’s at Predator Ridge and has also been active in the Vernon community volunteering at the 55+ Games.

Matthew has worked around the world as a Transportation and Logistics Specialist at large scale sporting events, and these injuries will likely be life changing for him.

Janet and Luiz Araujo

by Vernon Matters Staff

View Comments