Abbeville native, Matt Landry, faces his challenges head-on

Matt Joseph Landry graduated from Abbeville High in 2005. He went on to graduate in 2013 from the University of Lafayette and now resides in Maurice with his wife Brooke and sons, Alex (7), and Abel (3). While working 24-hour shifts three days a week as a paramedic, he is also the Snap Fitness Maurice club manager and one of their personal trainers.
In addition to the three jobs, Landry created the 5k race, Snap to a Cure that is held at North Vermilion High School every October.
"Juggling all of these jobs can be challenging, but living through a tough childhood prepared me." While my mother worked multiple jobs and with a father on drugs, I always had a fear of ending up with a dead-end career and not being able to support my family,” Landry said. “Seeing things as a young boy through my teenage years, I've been through more than a boy should have.”
As a young adult, Landry had to make the decision to either continue living the same path or strive to achieve better. “My mother tried her best with what she was given, but with an amazing grandmother and two strong-headed siblings, we all made it through for the better,” he said.
Brooke Landry, Matt’s wife, is proud of her husband and who he is. “For as long as I can remember, Matt has always strived to become a better version of himself. Whether it was challenging himself in college or gaining new certifications as a trainer, Matt enjoys learning and spreading his knowledge to others.
After working as a paramedic both on and offshore since 2006, many emergency situations have occurred. Without getting into details, a recent call has made it to the top of his list.
“My partner and I were dispatched to an ATV accident of a 15-year-old with a trauma center nearly 45 minutes away. The patient was obviously in critical condition and we were able to secure an airway via rapid sequence intubation and get the patient stable for AirMed to intercept,” Landry recalled. “I’m happy to say, that after speaking with the patient's mother, all is well.”
The occupations of being both medic and trainer/manager has its similarities. Tending to take the roll of a therapist, mostly, regardless if it's a client trying to better themselves at Snap or a family member that just lost a loved one, both situations need kind words of empathy and encouragement. Landry credits his biggest accomplishment, and the single thing he is most proud of is creating the event "Snap to a Cure."
“This community event began with just an idea to advertise for a new business in Maurice, Snap Fitness. Five years later, the event has grown tremendously and I truly believe it changes lives. Every year, we have picked a nonprofit group to donate the funds to.”
Groups that were chosen include Links des Pink, The Ross Granger Memorial Fund, Alana Duhon Scholarship Fund, Kalix James Broussard Memorial Fund, and The Kaylee Abigail McLain Memorial Fund. It may seem like just another 5k race, however, the emotions in each and every event, especially for the families, say otherwise.
“I knew he was destined to truly make a change in our community when he had the idea of holding Maurice's first 5k,” Brooke Landry said. “After lots of sleepless nights, creating the Snap to a Cure 5k from the ground up has truly been a huge accomplishment that the entire community is proud of.
“Each year, I tell myself that I want to stop doing Snap to a Cure since it is emotionally draining and heart breaking knowing the suffering that each family has gone through,” said Landry. He recalls last year's event for Kalix Broussard as being especially difficult.
“I used to be Kalix's Personal Trainer and knew how good of a person he was, so I arrange the event knowing he was looking down on us, giving it a true meaning and I don't know how long we will continue to do the race, but I plan on having it this year on October 17th, with Kaylee being our special honoree.”
The man of God, husband, father, trainer, manager, and paramedic is what he lives and breathes.
“I sometimes ask why or what am I doing, but to my community, family, and friends, I hope I'm doing a good job. Please come support Snap to a Cure in any way you can.” All runners, walkers, strollers and volunteers need the community to come together, once again.
Proud of her husband and father of her boys, seeing him become a role model for his sons makes her heart smile. “Not only is he a hard worker but he is a wonderful and loving father and husband,” Brooke added. “I am truly blessed to have our two little boys guided by Matt to mold them into men that serve God, their family, and their community.”
Whether you see him at community events, as a trainer, or an emergency situation, Landry’s determination always shines through in everything he does, his will to provide everyone with the best he can offer them makes him not only memorable, but a literal life saver. Unhindered by failure, Landry learns from his peers, his experiences and his family, and the will to discover his strengths.