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Western Pennsylvania has a strong tradition of neighborhood, personal and community commitment. Our pride in pulling together goes far beyond supporting our deep-rooted sports teams. 90.5 WESA Celebrates People Making a Difference honors the individuals that are making a difference in people's lives on the ground level and reminding us we are all truly a part of each other's lives.This special series, supported by UPMC, will highlight, honor and celebrate Western Pennsylvanians who are unsung heroes daring to make a difference to others in our community.00000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770c8000000000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770ca000000000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770cc000090.5 WESA PA listening area counties:Allegheny, Beaver, Washington, Westmoreland, Butler, Armstrong, Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, Fayette, Indiana00000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770cd0000This project is made possible by a generous contribution from UPMC.

Small Child, Big Heart: How Matthew Jacko Found Comfort and Shared It

Debbi Casini Klein

Listen to Matthew's story as part of a new series honoring the individuals who make a difference in people’s lives: 90.5 WESA Celebrates People Making a Difference.

Matthew Jacko was your typical 7-year-old, going to school, playing baseball, living life, until one day about a year and half ago, he and his family received the devastating news: Matthew had an inoperable brain tumor.

Through chemotherapy, myriad hospital visits and now hospice care, Matthew has sought the comfort of a big stuffed monkey that was kindly given to him by Lisa Donnelly, an Avon representative who was selling them as a fundraiser.

Matthew wanted to spread the joy he received having that cuddly monkey, so he told his family he wanted to make sure every child at Children’s Hospital could have one too.