Sloan and Matt Bowen have carved out a unique love story that transcends the typical narrative of romance. The couple, who share their lives online with a devoted following, provide a powerful insight into the dynamics of an interabled marriage, particularly Matt’s journey as a C6 incomplete quadriplegic following a life-altering accident during their early relationship.
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Matt’s injuries stemmed from a severe body surfing incident while he was on spring break in California. This tragic event resulted in partial loss of sensation and voluntary movement throughout his limbs and torso. Coincidentally, Matt and Sloan were in a casual dating phase at the time; their relationship hadn’t yet defined itself when the accident occurred. Reflecting on this twist of fate, Sloan describes their budding romance as a “blessing in disguise,” emphasising that she respected Matt’s desire to keep things platonic before the accident altered the course of their lives.
Following Matt’s injury, he was airlifted to a hospital in Utah, where he began a long and challenging recovery journey. Determined to be there for him, Sloan visited shortly after his arrival. Uncertainty hung over her as she approached the hospital: she did not know what to expect and was prepared for a brief visit. Instead, she was welcomed by Matt’s mother, who entrusted her with the task of keeping Matt company during his sister’s absence. This unanticipated eight-hour stint would prove to be a pivotal moment in their relationship.
During her visit, Sloan found ways to communicate with Matt, despite his tracheotomy preventing him from speaking. Their connection deepened as they spent hours together, sharing regular conversation and simple gestures like helping him with ice chips and wiping his brow. This foundation of mutual support evolved into a genuine friendship. Remarkably, at that point, it did not cross Sloan’s mind that their relationship could turn romantic again.
However, as time passed, their friendship blossomed and six months after Matt’s hospital discharge, he asked Sloan out again. “Sloan never made me feel like a burden and never saw the disability first,” Matt conveyed in an interview with PEOPLE, solidifying the notion that genuine affection often transcends physical limitations. It became clear to him that she was someone with whom he wanted to spend his life.
Once their romantic relationship was reignited, it was Matt who proposed marriage first. Despite her feelings for him, Sloan faced challenges regarding what their married life would entail. Acknowledging the demands of caregiving, she hesitated to commit without being certain of their future together. With time, reflection, and prayer, she started to feel more secure about embarking on married life with Matt.
The couple’s first year of marriage, however, proved to be particularly tough for Sloan, who struggled to balance her extensive responsibilities. The combination of caring for Matt, managing the home, and fulfilling her job obligations created an overwhelming situation. Faced with these challenges, Sloan recognised the need for “tough love.” She understood that a shift in Matt’s mindset was essential for their partnership to flourish.
Through resilience and shared determination, Matt gradually became more independent, a significant achievement for someone with his physical challenges. “It’s definitely more of a team effort now,” Sloan realises, having navigated the difficult terrain of caregiving intertwined with their romantic commitment.
Now the parents of two children, the Bowens share their experiences on social media, where they engage with hundreds of thousands of followers. Their intention is not merely to entertain but to educate people about the realities of life with a disability. Sloan’s initial video about their relationship went viral in 2020, gathering over 10 million views, leading the couple to recognise their potential to inspire and connect with others through their platform.
Their content ranges from lighthearted moments to serious discussions about Matt’s injury and its impact on their lives. Sloan candidly admits that she is not a professional videographer—it is simply a creative outlet for her. More importantly, her goal is to bring entertainment and joy, and to foster understanding in a world where perceptions of disabilities often lack nuance.
Through their journey, Sloan and Matt Bowen not only navigate the complexities of an interabled relationship, but they also inspire countless others facing similar challenges. Their story is a testament to the strength of love, the importance of communication, and the resilience needed to build a thriving life together.