STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Michael’s Cause is named after Michael Capolongo, who was diagnosed in 2010 with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a fatal genetic disorder with no cure affecting 3,500 boys worldwide. Duchenne’s affects the heart and lungs and thus is fatal by the time a young man reaches his early 20s.
Michael, 15, is a student at Tottenville High School and is the son of Robert and Theresa Capolongo, both devoted to public service: Rob is a sergeant with the NYPD and Theresa is a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Source: Staten Island charities help fund $92K accessible van for teen with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy