Support Jeffrey Capasso's Fight Against Cancer

My name is Jennifer Jones and I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist at the Veterans Administration in Pittsburgh, PA. On May 27, 2024, one of my co-workers, who is also a Registered Respiratory Therapist, Jeffrey Capasso, was diagnosed with cancer (Stage III Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Lymphoma) and a rare disease (AL Amyloidosis) that causes an abnormal buildup of protein in organs and tissues, disrupting their normal function. Jeff is only 53 years old, and he is such a great guy. He is a true family man. He is a devoted husband of 20 years to Jennifer Capasso. A loving and supportive Dad of two daughters, Carmela (19) and Emilia (17). Jeff has worked full-time caring for our Nation’s Heroes for the last 20 years. This man has spent his life caring for others, now that he needs help, I didn’t think twice about pitching in. Our entire Respiratory Department is rooting for Jeff and responsible for this pledge page. Any money raised will go directly to Jeff via electronic funds transfer.

To start fighting lymphoma and amyloidosis, Jeff is currently undergoing 4 rounds of 4 weeks of chemo treatments. He had his first chemo treatment at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA and started his second round as an outpatient on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Even with health insurance, he owes at least $2000. This does not include a recent 29 day stay in the hospital and chemo treatments. He also has co-pays with each of the several specialist doctor visits. After the chemo is finished, Jeff will undergo a bone marrow transplant and additional chemo in the hospital sometime this fall. He will need 4 months of recovery time after his transplant. Jeff will be able to use his own bone marrow for this procedure. There are many patients who are not so fortunate, to find out if you may be a match for someone else in need visit Join the donor registry | NMDP (bethematch.org). There is a short, informative video on the home page that explains about stem cell donation. You must be between 18-40 years old to join the registry.

Jeff has not been able to work full-time since his battle with cancer began at the end May of 2024. Currently, he has been off for 8 weeks and his leave time at work is almost used up. July 25, 2024, Jeff began working one or two 8-hour days per week to help extend his time. If you are a VA employee and would like to donate time to Jeff, please ask your direct supervisor to help you fill out an OPM 630-A for VISN 4. All of his co-workers in the Respiratory Department would like to raise enough money and time so that Jeff can just fight cancer and not worry about not having an income or the medical bills piling up. Any way you can help is greatly appreciated!