Capalbo family of Fairfield, including, from left, Anthony, Will, Charlie, and Jenny, at the Capalbo Strong Crushed Cancer Event at the Fairfield Theatre Company on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Fairfield, Conn.
The Capalbo family joins staff members of the Boston Children's Hospital on stage at the Capalbo Strong Crushed Cancer Event at the Fairfield Theatre Company on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Fairfield, Conn.
Will Capalbo, left, gets a picture with Aidan Harding of Fairfield at the Capalbo Strong Crushed Cancer Event at the Fairfield Theatre Company on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Fairfield, Conn.
Charlie Capalbo, center, poses with Zach Taylor of Fairfield, left, and his dad Jeff Taylor at the Capalbo Strong Crushed Cancer Event at the Fairfield Theatre Company on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Fairfield, Conn.
Deb Placey of Fairfield, a longtime commentator for the New Jersey Devils, hosts the Capalbo Strong Crushed Cancer Event at the Fairfield Theatre Company on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Fairfield, Conn.
Some of Charlie Capalbo's supporters pose for a shot at the Capalbo Strong Crushed Cancer Event at the Fairfield Theatre Company on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Fairfield, Conn.
Around 550 people attended a sold-out happening at the Capalbo Strong Crushed Cancer Event at the Fairfield Theatre Company on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Fairfield, Conn.
Dad Anthony Capalbo of Fairfield shares his thoughts before the large crowd at the Capalbo Strong Crushed Cancer Event at the Fairfield Theatre Company on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Fairfield, Conn.
A trio from Trumbull includes, from left, Bella Molnar, Eliza Morgan, and Olivia Lagano, all 15, at the Capalbo Strong Crushed Cancer Event at the Fairfield Theatre Company on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Fairfield, Conn.
FAIRFIELD — Charlie Capalbo’s cancer remission is reason enough to celebrate, but Sunday evening’s Capalbo Strong Crushed Cancer Event was also an opportunity to raise significant funds for the Boston Children’s Hospital.
The Fairfield Theatre Company was packed with supporters of Charlie Capalbo — a young Fairfield man who has battled two different kinds of cancer over the past three years, and persevered.
“It’s a miracle that he’s here tonight to be part of it all,” said Marybeth McGee, marketing manager, noting the event had sold out with 550 people.
Funds raised will head to the very hospital where Capalbo received treatment — the family’s way of giving back for the great support they’ve received throughout Charlie’s illness.
It was a familial event with Charlie’s brother Will, who gave him a life-saving bone marrow transplant at the beginning of this year, in attendance, along with their parents and many relatives and close friends.
“It’s just nice to have people from all walks of my life be in one place at one time celebrating a great cause,” Will said.
“Cancer sucks,” announced Deb Placey of Fairfield, a longtime commentator for the New Jersey Devils, who hosted the event.
She said, however, that with the help of organizations like BCH, as well as the many supporters in attendance, “Cancer sucks a little bit less.”
In between numbers by a live band, Charlie took the stage with his family for a brief welcome and thank you.
“Thank you everybody for celebrating my comeback,” he said.