'The Rock' Helps Inspire Local Man Battling Cancer
BEAVER COUNTY (KDKA) – A local man battling a terminal illness got a big boost of support thanks to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Matt Klutka, from Patterson Township, was diagnosed with cancer in December of 2013.
Muscle & Fitness magazine recently published an article about Klutka's perseverance and Matt's inspiration, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson heard his story.
Johnson posted this photo on Instagram talking about his conversation when he called Klutka saying, "It was a call I'll never forget the rest of my life. Matt couldn't have been more upbeat and positive."
Johnson and Klutka talked about movies, working out, and being a father.
The Rock says Klutka thanked him from the bottom of his heart, and said, "I just gotta keep pushing."
Johnson wanted to thank Matt for the inspiration, and reminding everyone that time is our greatest currency.
Doctors found a growth on his inferior vena cava, a vein that distributes blood to his lower extremities.
A biopsy determined he had a form of cancer called leimyosarcoma. Chemotherapy was first, followed by several surgeries.
The cancer just kept coming back, and there were complications.
He gained 100 pounds, then needed back surgery and suffered a paralyzing infection.
KDKA talked with Klutka last year, he told us: "It ended up being an eight-hour surgery," he said. "I ended up with nine incisions. They had to remove part of my liver and my gall bladder."
Klutka continued to fight bravely against the cancer, but the bills piled up.
"Out of pocket, close to $43,000," he said. "I know my chemotherapy was close to half-a-million."
An anonymous resident donated $50,000 to help pay for the drug, which is only partially covered by insurance.
Matt recently did an interview with a family friend and the video was posted on YouTube.
Hear more about his story here:
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