Jan 16, 2013 4 min read

If Upper St. Clair’s Patty Doman were asked to name the most courageous person she knows, her answer would be Matt Onyshko.

Matt Onyshko is Doman’s nephew and godson, and he is literally in the fight of his life. In 2008, when he was 27 years old, Matt was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

According to the Western Pennsylvania chapter of the ALS Association, ALS “is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually lead to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.”

Matt’s wife, Jessica, said that it’s very unusual for someone as young as Matt to be diagnosed with ALS. At a conference she attended, Jessica learned that in the tri-state area, Matt was the only person between the ages of 25 and 35 diagnosed with the disease.

Jessica, with the help of Matt’s mother and siblings, cares for Matt and their daughters, Kendall, 3, and McKenna, 9 months, at home full time. As the disease changes, Matt has had to modify the activities he can do with his children.

Jessica said Kendall has noticed some of the changes, like when she looks at photos where her dad was able to hold her.

“Kendall is a big helper,” said Jessica. “Dad’s her man.”

While Matt’s physical limitations have increased, Jessica said he continues to challenge himself. He’s found a handicap extreme sports group, and plans to go skiing this winter.

“Nothing is going to break his spirit,” said Jessica.

Matt was born and raised on Pittsburgh’s North Side and attended St. Cyril of Alexandria Grade School School and North Catholic High School. He graduated from California University of Pennsylvania, where he was a starting linebacker on the football team.

Matt has been a firefighter for the city of Pittsburgh since 2007, but his disease has progressed and left him unable to work. Because firefighters are not eligible for disability pension until they have 10 years on the job, other firefighters have been working shifts for him.

Jessica has the highest praise for the firefighters. “What a brotherhood they are.”

In October, Pittsburgh firefighters and city police played a charity hockey game at CONSOL Energy Center, with money raised from the event going toward renovations on the Onyshkos Brighton Heights home. Jessica said the event raised $16,000, which included a $5,000 donation from 84 Lumber.

Since Matt can no longer climb stairs, the Onyshko’s need to make modifications for a handicap accessible first floor bath and bedroom. Jessica said they are in the process of getting estimates for the job, which range from $45,000 to $75,000.

While plans are under way for future events to raise money for Matt and his family, Doman wanted to do what she could to help her nephew by reaching out to the people in the South Hills.

“First and foremost,” said Doman, “we ask for your prayers.”

Doman said that Matt has been reluctant to ask for help, so his family and friends are asking on his behalf. All money raised will go toward a handicapped accessible addition to his home and a handicap van.

“We assure you that anything you can do to help Matt and his family will be received with our humble and unending gratitude.”

“This whole thing has really changed my outlook on life,” said Doman. The mother of four children said she used to worry and complain about little things. “I never thought I would wake up every morning and just thank God that my kids are healthy.”

Contributions can be made payable to Matt Onyshko, P.O. Box 101740, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.