"It is my turn to speak up. My turn to speak out and stand out -
to do as much as I can to help my family and to help build awareness and understanding about ALS."
Scott Matzka, a NCAA national hockey champion at the University of Michigan and professional hockey player in both North American and European leagues, was diagnosed with ALS in September of 2015. Scott’s ALS symptoms began with stiffening in his fingers, cramping of his hands and eventually muscle twitching and tremors. After a series of tests and consultations, Scott was diagnosed with ALS at age 37.
Although ALS slowed down Scott’s body, it did not slowed down his intentions. Scott believed most of us go through life never knowing our purpose. He believed ALS revealed his. Scott formed MyTurn, which is dedicated to capturing his story as a means of helping his family, bringing ALS out of obscurity and assisting others affected by the condition. Scott spent several years spreading awareness about ALS because he believed it was his turn to tell his story and be an ALS advocate. Scott said it is “My turn to speak up. My turn to speak out and stand out – to do as much as I can to help my family and to help build awareness and understanding of ALS.”
While Scott was passionate about raising ALS awareness, he was equally passionate about helping others living with ALS. That’s why Scott partnered with the Susan Mast ALS Foundation to create the MyTurn Project Fund. This fund began because Scott Matzka had a wish for his 40th birthday. In lieu of presents, Scott asked his friends and family to raise money for his friend Joe, who like Scott, was diagnosed with ALS. Joe was in need of financial assistance for a bathroom remodel to accommodate his changing needs with ALS. Scott created a Facebook post asking his friends and family to donate. In 54 hours, Scott’s incredible support system raised enough money to cover the costs to help Joe with a much needed bathroom remodel.
In a truly selfless act of generosity, Scott personally matched the money raised for Joe. Moving forward, his plan was to assist other ALS families in West Michigan who need financial help with construction projects.
Sadly, Scott passed away on December 16, 2018. His legacy of helping others will live on through the MyTurn Project Fund.
Please consider donating to this project. Whether you can donate $5 or $500, your donation will help make the difference. Let’s do this!
To learn more about Scott’s story, visit scottmatzka.com.
