Lafayette man battling ALS offers support to 49ers legend Dwight Clark
LAFAYETTE, Calif. (KGO) -- Football players and fans are offering support to 49ers legend Dwight Clark, who recently announced he's suffering from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. About 6,000 people are diagnosed every year with ALS. There is no cure, but we found a Lafayette man who is fighting the good fight.
Matt Chaney's ALS is progressing very slowly. He was diagnosed 16 years ago. He uses a wheelchair to get around and sometimes an iPad to communicate.
"It helps when my speech is fatigued," said Chaney.
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His caretaker, Tami also helps as he copes with the challenges of ALS.
"There are many, but the biggest is losing independence," said Chaney.
The rare disorder affects the nerves and muscles, eventually robbing people of their ability to move, speak, swallow and breathe. As 49ers great Dwight Clark faces this disease, there is hope according to Dr. Jonathan Katz of California Pacific Medical Center.
VIDEO: ABC7's Mike Shumann reacts to Dwight Clark's ALS announcement:
"I think scientific research is really reaching a point right now where things are beginning to tip right now. We're getting a better understanding of the disease," said Dr. Katz.
Dwight Clark says he believes there's a link with football. Chaney isn't sure though, he played college ball back in the 1970s. He's hoping for some definitive answers.
"Funding research necessary to find a treatment and ultimately a cure," said Chaney.
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Chaney, a married father of two has been recognized for his work with the ALS Association and offers to share his experiences with others including Dwight Clark.
"If they have any questions he's here," said Tami, Chaney's caretaker.
Clark said Sunday in an open letter that he started experiencing the symptoms of ALS in his left hand back in 2015.
Here's Clark's letter in its entirety:
"In September of 2015, I started feeling weakness in my left hand. I was mildly paying attention to it because since my playing days, I've constantly had pain in my neck. I was thinking it was related to some kind of nerve damage because it would just come and go.
After months of tests and treatment, I got some bad news. I was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
I have ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Those words are still very hard for me to say.
While I'm still trying to wrap my head around the challenge I will face with this disease over the coming years, the only thing I know is that I'm going to fight like hell and live every day to the fullest.
There is no test that will positively diagnose you with ALS. You have to eliminate the possibility of all other diseases and disorders and then wait to see what additional symptoms you develop. I visited six neurologists
and three ALS specialists. I also was treated for a B12 deficiency, which sometimes can mirror the symptoms of this debilitating disease.
In addition to losing strength in my left hand - which makes opening a pack of sugar or buttoning my shirt impossible - I have now experienced weakness in my right hand, abs, lower back and right leg. I can't run, play golf or walk any distances. Picking up anything over 30 pounds is a chore. The one piece of good news is that the disease seems to be progressing more slowly than in some patients.
I've been asked if playing football caused this. I don't know for sure. But I certainly suspect it did. And I encourage the NFLPA and the NFL to continue working together in their efforts to make the game of football safer, especially as it relates to head trauma.
What I do know is I have a huge battle in front of me and I'm grateful for the strength and unconditional love from my wife Kelly. She has been my rock. She keeps thinking positive and convinces me each day that we can beat this, as does my daughter Casey and my son Mac. My brother Jeff, his wife Debra and their family also have been unwavering with their love and support.
I get the same pep talk from the Boss, Eddie D. His support has been incredible. So rest assured, I know I'm not alone in this fight.
Every single one of my 49ers teammates that has contacted me has said whatever I need, anytime I need it, they will help. That's just the kind of guys they are. They were so giving as players and now they are the same as friends.
I can't thank my teammates and friends enough for their support. Mr. D always treated us like family and that family is still together. I also want to thank all the great 49ers fans. Your support over the last 35 years has allowed me to remain connected to you. Rarely does a day go by when I'm not asked about 'the Catch,' when we were able to get past the Cowboys and go on to win our first Super Bowl.
I'm not having a press conference or doing any interviews. That time will come. Right now, I've got work to do. I've got to devote all my energy preparing for this battle and I would hope you can respect my family's privacy as I begin this challenge. My ultimate hope is that eventually I can assist in finding a cure for ALS, which disrupts the lives of so many and their loved ones."
