About the Capalbo Strong Walk
The Capalbo Strong Walk is a community event held to honor Charlie Capalbo, a beloved son, brother, teammate, and friend whose strength, humor, and resilience inspired everyone around him. Founded in 2017 by a group of Fairfield Prep hockey moms during Charlie’s first battle with cancer, Capalbo Strong began as a way to rally support for him and his family. Over the next five years, Charlie courageously fought and beat cancer three times, facing both Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Leukemia with remarkable grit and an unwavering positive spirit. Tragically, he passed away in April 2022, just one month shy of his 24th birthday.
Throughout his journey, Charlie openly shared his story, lifting up an entire community and beyond with his perspective, selflessness, and determination. In his honor, the Capalbo Strong Walk continues his legacy by bringing people together to support pediatric cancer research and families facing similar battles.
For years, Capalbo Strong has proudly walked as part of the Jimmy Fund Walk in support of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, raising critical funds for the Charlie Capalbo Memorial Fund which supports AML research in Dr. Scott Armstrong’s lab. That experience, and the community built around it, will always be a meaningful part of our story.
As our team has grown, so have the logistical challenges of bringing over 100 walkers to Boston each year. By bringing the walk home to Fairfield, we’re creating a more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive experience for our entire community. This allows more friends, neighbors, and supporters, especially those who can’t travel, to take part in honoring Charlie and supporting pediatric cancer efforts.
This transition also comes at an important moment for Capalbo Strong. After years of working toward it, we have officially applied for nonprofit status. This milestone allows us greater flexibility and responsibility in directing the funds we raise. In addition to continuing our support of the Charlie Capalbo Memorial Fund at Dana-Farber, we will now be able to award grants to the local hospitals, programs, and organizations that supported Charlie, Will, and our family throughout our journey.
Bringing the walk to Fairfield isn’t just about convenience. It’s about deepening our impact, strengthening our community, and honoring Charlie in the place where he lived, and was so deeply loved.
Event Information
Date: October 4, 2026 - 8:00am (7:00am registration)
Location: Jennings Beach, Fairfield CT
Walk: 24k (15 miles) starting at Jennings Beach and looping throughout nearby Fairfield.
Walk participants are asked to pay the registration fee and raise a minimum of $300 to help make a meaningful impact. Virtual participants are asked to pay the registration fee and raise a minimum of $100.
New this year, the 24K starts and finishes at Jennings Beach, keeping the entire experience close to home!
Don’t let the full 15 miles intimidate you. The course is designed as a loop, so you can join for one 5-mile lap, two laps, or go the full distance, whatever feels right for you. At any point, you’re never far from the beach, so you can comfortably stop whenever you choose.
