Capalbo Strong Foundation’s Inaugural Walk Honoring Charlie Capalbo’s Legacy Takes Place This Sunday

After years of traveling to Boston to participate in the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund Walk, the Capalbo family is bringing their mission home with the inaugural Bank of America Capalbo Strong Walk in Fairfield.

The event marks a new chapter in the Capalbo family’s journey following the creation of the Capalbo Strong Foundation, established to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Capalbo and support children and families affected by pediatric cancer. More than 300 walkers are expected to participate Sunday, with fundraising expected to approach $200,000 in support of the foundation’s mission.

Charlie Capalbo, a former Fairfield high school hockey goalie, was just 17 years old when he was diagnosed with T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Throughout his five-year battle with multiple cancers, Charlie inspired countless people with his unwavering positivity, resilience, humor and determination. His courage and strength brought together a community of supporters who stood beside him throughout his journey. Charlie passed away on April 24, 2022, one month shy of his 24th birthday, but the community that rallied around him continues to carry his legacy forward.

For the past five years, Team Capalbo participated in the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund Walk in Boston, where it was consistently recognized as a top fundraising team. Funds raised by the team supported the Charlie Capalbo Memorial Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

With the launch of the Capalbo Strong Foundation, the family is expanding that mission and bringing the walk home to Fairfield for the first time. The new event will continue to support pediatric cancer research while also providing grants to hospitals, programs and organizations that directly support children and families affected by childhood cancer.

The inaugural Bank of America Capalbo Strong Walk will feature a 24K (15-mile) course that starts and finishes at Jennings Beach and travels through the Fairfield Beach neighborhood where Charlie grew up and was deeply loved. 5 and 10-mile options are also available, making the event accessible to walkers of all ages and abilities.

The 24K distance carries special meaning for the Capalbo family. Charlie was born on the 24th, passed away on the 24th just one month shy of his 24th birthday, and received his first life-saving bone marrow transplant on 2/4/19. The number 24 has become a powerful symbol of Charlie’s journey and legacy.

The family-friendly walk will bring together supporters of all ages to celebrate Charlie’s life, honor children currently battling cancer, remember those who have been lost, and raise critical funds to help families facing pediatric cancer.

“For years, our family and so many incredible supporters walked in Boston to raise money for Dana-Farber because we believed deeply in the importance of pediatric cancer research,” said Jennifer and Anthony Capalbo. “When we created the Capalbo Strong Foundation, we wanted to continue supporting that mission while also giving back to the local hospitals, organizations and families who stood beside Charlie and helped carry us through the most difficult years of our lives. Bringing this walk home to Fairfield allows us to bring together the community that loved Charlie while making a meaningful impact for children and families both locally and beyond.”

Funds raised through the Bank of America Capalbo Strong Walk will support the Capalbo Strong Foundation’s mission of advancing pediatric cancer research and providing resources and support to children and families facing pediatric cancer.

Participants are encouraged to register as a walker or make a donation in support of the Capalbo Strong Foundation. Every dollar raised helps carry Charlie’s legacy forward by supporting children and families affected by pediatric cancer.

The inaugural Bank of America Capalbo Strong Walk is proudly presented by Bank of America. Additional support is provided by BMW of Darien, MINI of Darien, Jennifer Loya, The Post, Panicale Pasta, Moneco Advisors, Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame and Youth Foundation, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prosperity Home Mortgage, Sacred Heart University, Greenfield Animal Hospital, SmartMLS Inc., The Jay Tolisano Team at CrossCountry Mortgage, The Law Office of Robert L. Cavanaugh Jr. LLC, Seagrape Café, Fresh Start Laundry, Spear-Miller Funeral Home, Paul Delco Builders, Fairfield Attorney Cheryl Carolan, Jackie Davis & Team, The Two Oh Three, Kasson Jewelers, sam®, Maplewood Senior Living, The Pantry, and many other generous community partners whose support has helped make the inaugural event possible.

To register, donate or learn more about the Bank of America Capalbo Strong Walk, visit CAPALBOSTRONG.ORG.