Community rallies for Toms River Man with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

**Community Rallies Around Toms River Man with Muscular Dystrophy, Fundraiser Set for September 7th**

MD Keep The Faith NJ Nonprofit Corporation, is calling on the local community to support a remarkable young man from Toms River. Matt DeRiggi, 26, has defied the odds by surviving well beyond the typical life expectancy for individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a severe and debilitating disease that progressively weakens muscles. Matt’s story is not only one of perseverance but also of love, support, and community—a story that truly deserves attention.

“Matt has faced so many challenges with unimaginable strength and resilience,” Chris Falkiewicz shared. “The love and support he receives from his family and our community is incredibly heartwarming. It’s a journey that deserves to be shared, and we’re hoping to give it the spotlight it deserves through this event.”

MD Keep The Faith has organized a fundraiser to help cover the cost for Matt’s essential medical devices, medications, and care needs. The event will be held on Saturday, September 7th, at 7:30 PM at the Grunin Center at Ocean County College in Toms River. It will feature a comedy show with performances by Jeff Norris, Gemini, and live music by The Deplorables band. With a venue seating 464 people, organizers are hoping for a sellout event to make a meaningful impact.

Tickets are available online, and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to helping the DeRiggi family with ongoing medical expenses. The community is encouraged to attend and support this inspiring cause.

**The Man Behind the Cause: Matt DeRiggi’s Story**

Matt DeRiggi was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2005 at just 7 years old. His parents first noticed his unusual gait, but it wasn’t until the family moved into a new home with stairs—where Matt struggled to navigate—that they realized something was wrong. After numerous tests, Matt’s DMD diagnosis was confirmed, and life has been a constant series of medical challenges ever since.

Since 2010, a fall that broke his hip left Matt confined to a wheelchair. Yet, through all the physical and emotional tolls, Matt has maintained a remarkable spirit. Known for his compassionate nature and sense of humor, Matt brings light to those around him, even as he battles a disease that has taken so much.

Matt’s passion for sports is unwavering. He is a cherished member of the Rutgers football family and can often be found at their home games. His love for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees keeps him and his family glued to the screen when they aren’t attending games in person.

Despite all the hardships DMD has brought into his life, Matt’s positive attitude and courage have been a source of inspiration for those who know him. The upcoming fundraiser is a testament to the love and support surrounding Matt and the DeRiggi family as they continue to face life’s battles together.

Tickets for the fundraiser event can be purchased online. Your support could make a big difference in the life of a family that has given so much to the community.

For more details and ticket purchases, visit the official event page: Matt DeRiggi Fundraiser

If you can’t attend and wish to donate, visit the official donation page:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/d354de5d-48b1-4957-8119-e1c1a9717aa4

**Event Information: **

*What: * Matt DeRiggi Fundraiser Event

*When: * Saturday, September 7th, 7:30 PM

*Where: * Grunin Center, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ