Our latest Queens Person of the Week is fighting for his life -- he has an autoimmune disease and is waiting for a kidney transplant.
Yet, that hasn't stopped him from giving back to a community he loves. NY1's Leisha Majtan filed the following report.
Four hours a day, three days a week, Luis Matos comes to this clinic for dialysis.
Matos was diagnosed with C.I.D.P. at 25 years-old.
It's an autoimmune disorder that progressively weakens muscle and nerve function.
"I went from being in shape, being able to being needy," said Luis Matos, NY1’s Queens Person of the Week.
Despite Matos' heath setbacks, one thing remained constant in his life: football.
"Football has been a passion that only my wife ranks higher," said Matos.
Matos played the sport all throughout high school and college and then he joined Major League Football, a non-profit semi-professional league.
When his disease sidelined him from playing the game, he took on a new role as coach.
"Being able to coach players who maybe knew the game but just needed that extra push, that extra nudge, and knowing that they were willing to listen to my guidance and direction was gratifying enough," added Matos.
Dexter Girven, the CEO of M.L.F., says Matos' guidance to his players transcends football.
He says Matos is an example for these young men to follow, many come from adverse backgrounds.
"We want these players to see if he can do what he's doing, you guys should be okay in doing what you need to do," said Dexter Girven, the President & CEO of Major League Football.
And for his dedication the league, Matos was honored in Washington D.C. earlier this month by the American Kidney Fund as their 2017 "Hero of Hope."
Matos says this is only the beginning.
He plans to use his experiences and role with M.L.F. as a way to raise awareness about organ donation.
"I'm learning to do more with less because of it. And my greatest intent at this point is to be able to help as many people as possible," said Matos.
And so for continuing his fight against kidney disease while giving back to his community, Luis Matos is our Queens Person of the Week.
For more information about organ donation, visit unos.org