Bridgeport Islanders to host cancer event, looking for donors
An upcoming event echoes the need for donors in the fight against cancer, and a local family is once again leading the charge.
More Stories
An upcoming event echoes the need for donors in the fight against cancer, and a local family is once again leading the charge.
"Our lifelong mission is to raise funds for pediatric leukemia research, which is what we promised Charlie that we would do," says Jennifer Capalbo, the mother of Fairfield's Charlie Capalbo.
Charlie Capalbo fought cancer multiple times. It's been almost two years since he died.
Last year, his brother Will held a swab event at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven to find matches for much-needed donors.
"We can do it, we just need the people to help it," says Lillian Woods.
Woods played field hockey and lacrosse at Albertus Magnus. She just recently became a donor.
"I just gave someone another chance at life, and I think that's a really beautiful thing - and life is not something you should take for granted," says Woods.
"It takes very little time to register. It's very easy. Painless," says Anthony Capalbo.
Now Anthony and Jennifer Capalbo and their son Will are seeking donors at a Bridgeport Islanders game next month. On March 9, you can buy some tickets for $24.24 – significant because Charlie died on April 24, 2022 just a month shy of his 24th birthday.
Proceeds support the Jimmy Fund and Capalbo Strong. Guests 18-35 years old are encouraged to register at the game with the National Marrow Donor Program.
"There are so many adults and children who are needing donors," says Jennifer Capalbo.
The Capalbos have already gotten plenty of support from members of the Islander family, including Corey Schneider and Cole Bardreau.
"If you save one life through one of these, it's worth it," says Jennifer Capalbo.
