Former Comeback Kid bassist Matt Keil diagnosed with ALS, family launches GoFundMe

Summary

• Former Comeback Kid bassist Matt Keil has been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive and incurable neurological disease.
• A GoFundMe has been launched to help cover medical care, mobility aids, and family support.
• Keil’s family and Comeback Kid are urging donations to ease the burden on his wife and two young daughters.

Matt Keil, who played bass and shared vocal duties in Comeback Kid between 2008 and 2014, has been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). His family confirmed the diagnosis came in May 2024.

ALS is a progressive and terminal neurological disease. It leads to the gradual loss of muscle control, eventually affecting mobility and breathing. There is no known cure.

Keil’s condition has worsened quickly. According to a statement from his family, the illness has taken a serious toll on both his independence and his family’s daily life. His wife, Maddie, has stepped into the role of full-time caregiver and has taken an unpaid leave from her job.

To help manage the growing medical and personal care costs, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser is intended to cover:

• In-home care
• Mobility devices
• Medical treatments
• End-of-life costs
• Future education expenses for the couple’s daughters, Ellie (9) and Zoey (7)

You can view and contribute to the campaign here.

Keil is known in his community as more than a musician. He’s also worked as a realtor in the Twin Cities area and is described by friends as a devoted father and husband.

His family says he cherishes time at the lake, playing music, golfing, and cheering on his daughters at sports events.

In a statement, Comeback Kid asked fans to support their former bandmate:

“Our previous bass player Matt Keil was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive and fatal neurological disease… The aggressive progression of this disease within a year of diagnosis has hindered Matt’s independence and altered his family’s day-to-day lives.”

The band also encouraged fans to visit their Instagram story for the donation link.

ALS affects nearly 30,000 Americans, and patients typically live two to five years after diagnosis, although some live longer.

The disease has received more public attention in recent years due to fundraising efforts like the Ice Bucket Challenge and the advocacy work of former NFL player Steve Gleason and physicist Stephen Hawking, both of whom lived with ALS.

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