Our Inspiration - Family Reach Foundation

In Memory

The courage and spirit of Christopher Colangelo created the original roots of Family Reach. In his memory, those roots continue to grow.

Christopher Colangelo was the inspiration of the original roots of Family Reach Foundation. He was born on April 15, 1970 and was the first of three children to James and Andrea Colangelo of Union, New Jersey. Christopher grew up as a happy, fun-loving boy with great success in school and lots of interests. He was outgoing, sensitive and a leader among classmates and peers. His family remembered him as someone who was always curious and quick to learn new things.

He attended Hamilton Elementary School in Union and was an "A" student. He participated in the school's Gifted and Talented Program, and served as a 4H Club President. Christopher was also a star at sports. He received an award as a Little League baseball pitcher and shortstop, and also enjoyed golf, swimming, touch football and bowling. In the Union Township Bowling League, Christopher scored his only 200 game the last time he ever bowled. He achieved this milestone the Spring before he became unable to walk due to a tumor growth on his spine.

Tragically, the tumor was the result of stage IV metastatic neuroblastoma, a diagnosis he and his family received in March of 1978. Christopher had surgery to remove the tumor, his adrenal gland, and kidney. He underwent grueling chemotherapy for two-and-a-half years and numerous treatments of radiation. When the traditional regimen failed to destroy the cancer, Christopher participated in an experimental trial at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore in June 1981. Despite all of his courage and efforts, Christopher lost his battle on September 1, 1981.

Christopher's family remembers his tremendous care for others, happiness, and energy. He once asked his mother Andrea if he would finally be able to hit a ball out the ballpark in heaven. When she told him yes - that he could do anything he wanted in heaven - he said that it would not be any fun without a challenge. He faced his illness with strength, humor and courage beyond his years, and accepted his death with peace. Christopher's spirit truly lives on with his family and the work of the Foundation.

Christopher

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The courage and spirit of Christopher Colangelo created the original roots of Family Reach. In his memory, those roots continue to grow.

Would you like to remember someone special?

Make a donation in memory of a loved-one

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