Fundraiser to be held for Minoa firefighter seeking heart transplant

By Lauren Young

Staff writer

Minoa Firefighter Matt Rushlo’s days once revolved around ambulance calls — now, they revolve around his LVAD HeartMate 3, a left ventricular assist device surgically implanted in his stomach to provide mechanical blood circulation. Though the assist device limits his walking distance to 20 feet based on his location to a power outlet, it has extended the strength of his heart, which, Rushlo said, “saved my life.”

On Aug. 3, Rushlo, 26, had the device implanted after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure on June 1. On May 31, he had to put his duties as a volunteer firefighter on hold at the Minoa Fire Department and hang up his firefighting gear.

Rushlo, who has been with the fire department since 2009 when he joined as a junior firefighter, said the pain before his diagnosis came “quite suddenly;” his ability to breathe, sleep and eat had drastically declined quickly, he lost “a ton” of weight and he was feeling more fatigued than usual.

Rushlo (middle) stands with four other Minoa firefighters. (Matthew’s Mission Heart Failure Benefit Facebook)

Like his heart, much of what Rushlo does now is monitored, which means he cannot stress his heart further by eating too much salt or exerting too much energy, as it would be life-threatening.

“But I’m able to go on with my daily routine now,” said Rushlo, who lives in Phoenix with fiancé Michele Miller and Marley, their Labrador Retriever. “I’m feeling a lot better than I was feeling a few months ago.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart failure occurs when the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, causing 55,000 deaths each year and a 50 percent average life expectancy of less than five years.

Since his diagnosis, Rushlo has also encountered an abundance of medical expenses not covered by insurance, which is why, on Jan. 26, the Minoa Fire Department is showing their support for Rushlo by hosting a benefit for him at St. Mary’s Parish Center on Main Street in Minoa.

The event will feature a spaghetti dinner, 50/50 raffle and more.

Until Rushlo’s recent illness, Pat Flannery, president of the Minoa Fire Department, said he was one of the department’s top responders, and has spent much of his time helping his community and fellow fire departments, which is why they want to return the favor during his “greatest time of need.”

Through it all, Rushlo said he has maintained hope with his “very strong” support system composed of his family and the fire department.

So the community is invited to help Rushlo cover his medical costs by attending the fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, at St. Mary’s Parish Center in Minoa. Anyone wishing to donate items toward the raffle can drop them off any Monday from now until the benefit from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Minoa Fire Station 1, located on 240 N Main St. in Minoa. If that time frame is not convenient, contact Pat Flannery at 315-952-1008 and other arrangements will be made.