In 2006 following his diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) the York College, East Hill Church of Christ and York community at large wrapped their arms around Kimball Matkins and his family. In return, Matkins has done everything in his power to raise awareness of the disease he faces each and every day.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association, ALS Division Web site defines ALS as, “A disease of the motor neurons, the muscle-controlling nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.”
The cause of the disease is generally unknown, although genetic factors may play a role. Out of all known cases, family history exists in 10 percent. Onset of ALS occurs in adulthood with symptoms including generalized weakness, muscle wasting, cramps and muscle twitches. ALS first affects legs, arms and/or throat and mouth muscles but ultimately affects all voluntary muscles, resulting in paralysis. ALS is a rapidly progressing disease with three to five year average survival rate.
Recently, Matkins was notified by MDA’s Greater Nebraska Chapter he had been chosen to receive the MDA Robert Ross Personal Achievement Award for Nebraska. The award is named for Robert Ross, MDA’s longtime chief executive who died in June of 2006. For more than four decades Ross coordinated MDA activities related to fundraising, publicity, medical and humanitarian services, disability policies and research. Ross created the Personal Achievement Award to illustrate, “A disability is no obstacle to accomplishment.”
“I’m proud to announce Kimball Matkins as Nebraska’s Robert Ross MDA personal Achievement Award recipient for 2008,” MDA President and CEO Gerald C. Weinberg said. “Kimball is a great example of the contributions people with disabilities consistently make to their communities.”
Matkins, 52, was selected for the honor for his personal and professional accomplishments and his commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Before retiring in August of 2007, Matkins worked as director of financial aid for York College. He served as a church deacon and elder and was active in teaching Bible classes. He also spent 12 years as a volunteer youth minister. Matkins has spoken publicly at numerous events on cancer awareness and overcoming physical disabilities; and continues to speak to York College students and churches on faith and physical trials.
Representatives of the Omaha MDA traveled to York to present Matkins a plaque in honor of his accomplishments.
“It was nice to receive the award. I was joking when I asked if there was any money with it,” Matkins laughs, “I asked them what this meant in terms of expectations ... in the past they’ve given the plaque out at the MDA drive over Labor Day. I may be asked to go to Lincoln to speak for MDA and ALS. MDA is huge, it has a big umbrella. ALS is smaller, but MDA sort of adopted us. They are the largest contributor to ALS research,” Matkins tells.
Matkins, seated in a wing chair in the family’s large living room, is looking forward ... the family hosted an ALS Walk last April and he wants to do another next year. He’d like to be part of walks in other communities, making use of his electric chair, or wheel chair. He’s always been active and continues in that vein as his strength allows.
The plaque lying across Matkins’ lap is made official by the signature of Jerry Lewis at the left-hand bottom corner. He holds the framed award upright, looks at it and can’t help but smile. MDA couldn’t have chosen a more positive, giving or appreciative recipient than Matkins who is buoyed by his family, his faith and his community.
ALS in the Heartland is based in Omaha. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life of all people affected by ALS whom they serve. The organization works to heighten community awareness of this devastating disease and strengthen public and legislative support for the fight against ALS. Funds donated to ALS of the Heartland allow the organization to provide in-home consultations, support groups, resources and referrals, equipment for patients and respite care vouchers for families.
To donate visit www.alsintheheartland.org.
