Former Navy Pilot with ALS Endorses Fitzpatrick in PA Race
ALS advocate Matt Bellina endorses Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in Pennsylvania’s 1st District race.
2 min read
Pennsylvania Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has received a heartfelt endorsement from Matt Bellina, a former Navy pilot and ALS advocate who has battled the disease for over a decade. Bellina, who has been working tirelessly to type out his message due to the challenges of his condition, has called on voters to support Fitzpatrick in his re-election bid.
Bellina was diagnosed with ALS in 2014 and, despite not qualifying for FDA-registered clinical trials, became a vocal advocate for the Right to Try Act. The bill, which allows terminally ill patients to access investigational drugs, was introduced and co-sponsored by Fitzpatrick. It became law in May 2018 with bipartisan support.
Bellina and his wife, Caitlin, worked closely with Fitzpatrick, who is also co-chair of the ALS caucus, to push for the passage of the bill. Caitlin recalled how Fitzpatrick made their family feel welcome in Washington, despite their young children.
“Everyone in his office was super welcoming to us and told us, ‘When you’re in DC, treat this as your home,’” Caitlin said.
Fitzpatrick and Bellina have continued to collaborate on the fight against ALS. In a June 2025 X post, Fitzpatrick highlighted the launch of ALS.community, a platform created by Bellina to support those impacted by the disease.
Today, I had the great honor of celebrating the launch of https://t.co/9yBaRAE1km—a groundbreaking national platform founded by my friend and partner, the extraordinary Matt Bellina of Northampton.
“Today, I had the great honor of celebrating the launch of ALS.community — a groundbreaking national platform founded by my friend and partner, the extraordinary Matt Bellina of Northampton. Matt — a Navy veteran, father of three, and ALS warrior — created this first-of-its-kind space to connect, empower, and uplift everyone impacted by ALS,” wrote Fitzpatrick in a June 2025 X post. “While he couldn’t be there in person today, his incredible mom, Deb, represented him with strength, heart, and the same unwavering commitment to this mission. Matt’s courageous advocacy helped shape my Right to Try Act, now law — giving terminally ill patients access to hope when time is short. And now, through ALS.community, he’s once again turning his fight into something that will uplift and support others.”
Bellina expressed his deep admiration for Fitzpatrick, stating that his character is evident beyond politics.
“I know Brian Fitzpatrick personally. I know his character. I know the kind of man he is when there are no cameras, no reporters, and no political advantage to be gained. And I love him. That matters to me far more than whether he satisfies every demand of either political party,” Bellina wrote.
Fitzpatrick is running against Democrat Bob Harvie in Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District. His campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Source: Daily Wire
