URGENT: HELP DUKE SALZARULO FIGHT CANCER

My name is Ann Capitanio and I’m writing to you through tears and desperation. My awesome brother-in-law, James “Duke” Salzarulo, is in the fight of his life against cancer. He has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma, specifically base of tongue cancer.

This nightmare began when he discovered a large lump on his neck while shaving his beard. He immediately rushed to Urgent Care, where he was told to go straight to Berkshire Medical Center. The hospital admitted him and did a biopsy the next morning. After five long days, he was told they didn’t take enough tissue. Further tests, including a PET scan, confirmed our worst fears - cancer, which spread to his lymph nodes.

Duke’s only 53 years old. He’s a devoted father to Haley, Christian, and Brendan, and has been a loyal husband to my sister Gina (Capitanio) Salzarulo for 23 years. He’s well known for his endless support to his son, Christian’s baseball. Along with spending countless hours with each of his kids, sharing his love and passion of the great outdoors.

As a self-employed tree surgeon, he has dedicated himself to his career. With a feeding tube and port, he will be unable to work, or even eat due to the excruciating pain caused by radiation, making swallowing unbearable.

Your contributions will help ease his financial stress and help him focus on his recovery. Please help me give back, for all the years of kindness and generosity Duke has given to so many. Please share this plea with everyone you know. Every dollar, every share, brings us one step closer to helping Duke and his family.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Love,

Ann xo

Update 5/28:

Just wanted to give you an update on Duke. He's been doing radiation 5 days a week, and chemo one full day per week. A couple of weeks ago, he complained of pain in his neck, which landed him back in the hospital for emergency surgery. The port malfunctioned, causing a blood clot in his jugular vein. He was rushed into surgery to replace it. He was put on medication and watched closely for a few days before being released. Soon after, he was again brought to the hospital for low white blood cell counts that had to be stabilized.

His days and nights have been very uncomfortable. It's now impossible to eat due to the pain in his mouth and throat, causing him to use a feeding tube full-time with constant nausea and acid indigestion. The doctor told him the side effects will continue for months after treatment ends. Some may never go away. It's unknown when Duke will be able to work again.

I would like to thank each and every one of you for your overwhelming generosity. Your continued support helps more than you will ever know.

Love,

Ann xo