Trending Topics

Video: Firefighter with ALS featured on DeGeneres show

The emotional segment looked the lengths his firefighter brothers and sisters went to to help his family

ell.jpg

By Allison Takeda
Celebrity News

Ellen DeGeneres took some time out of her show on Friday, Oct. 3, to honor two very special guests, former firefighter Matt Onyshko and his wife, Jessica. The comedienne received several emails about the couple from fans, so she invited them across the country to tell their story.

Matt was diagnosed with ALS seven years ago, about one year after he became a firefighter in Pittsburgh, Pa. Three years ago, his condition worsened to the point where he could no longer work — so his buddies at the firehouse banded together and took over his shifts, ensuring he’d still get a paycheck to help support his family. (He and Jess have two young daughters.)

“Guys were working five extra shifts, I mean, just anywhere possible,” pal Bill Frisco said. “We were fighting to take the extra days.”

Full story: Ellen DeGeneres Features Firefighter With ALS on Her Show: Watch His Emotional Story

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU