Retired NYPD Officer’s Family Needs Help Saving Son With DMD

When Michael Capolongo was about 4 years old, his parents Robert, a retired NYPD sergeant, and Theresa, a NICU nurse, noticed that he complained of leg pain while running around and playing with his friends on the playground.

At first, Michael’s pediatrician told them that it was most likely nothing that they would need to worry about. But after learning of the results of a blood test Michael was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. DMD is a rare progressive muscle disease.

In the years that followed Michael’s diagnosis, his family established Michael’s Cause. Michael’s Cause is a nonprofit dedicated to helping families affected by DMD and raising money to fund research efforts.

In support of Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month in September, the Capolongo family is sharing their story to help build broader awareness of this devastating disease and the urgent need for treatment options.

Related: September is Suicide Prevention Month

DMD is a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle damage and weakness. It primarily affects males, occurring in about 1 in every 3,500-6,000 male births worldwide. Children are usually diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 5 and symptoms usually progress and worsen between the ages of 8 and 12.

People with DMD become wheelchair-bound and require special assistance with many routine daily tasks such as brushing their teeth, washing their hair or opening a door. Eventually, the heart and respiratory muscles are also affected, significantly shortening life expectancy.

Michael recently graduated high school. He spends much of his time in doctor’s offices and undergoing physical, electro, and aqua therapies. However, he still makes time for his favorite hobbies such as sports, cooking, and spending quality time with his family and friends.

Michael also attends nearly every event held by Michael’s Cause to fight DMD. Since the nonprofit was founded in 2011, their organization has raised more than $3 million, which has helped many families impacted by DMD get wheelchair-accessible vans, air conditioning units, and other supportive equipment, in addition to funding critical research efforts.

Their goal is simple, to save their son’s life and the lives of others afflicted with this disease.

Can you help?

Sunday, September 22nd is the 12^th annual Michael’s Cause Step for a Cure 5k Run & Walk in Staten Island, NY.

Please participate, donate, or get more information click here.

The back-to-school shopping season is upon us, and teachers everywhere are digging into their own pockets to stock up on classroom essentials. According to the National Education Association, educators shell out an average of $500 to $750 annually on supplies their students need.

Many teachers say their districts don’t always provide everything needed to keep students engaged, comfortable, and ready to learn. A survey by the U.S. Department of Education reveals that 94 percent of teachers are spending their own money on classroom necessities. It’s not just teachers either. Support staff like bus drivers, front office personnel, classroom aides, and custodians are also using their own wages to buy supplies.

These purchases cover everything from paper, pencils, markers, and glue, to online learning program subscriptions, lab equipment, snacks for hungry kids, tissues, cleaning supplies, and even hand soap for the bathrooms.

Last year, CNN reported that most school supplies have jumped in price, sending the cost of writing tools and supplies such as crayons, pens, and pencils up nearly 19% year-over-year.

Jamesha Gilliam, a public high school English teacher in Marion County, Florida, keeps a locker in her class filled with pens, pencils, notebooks, glue sticks, and other stationery materials.

“I use my own money to keep it filled up during the year,” said Gilliam. But she was hit with sticker shock when she went to buy a bulk supply of unsharpened pencils. “I would get a 50-pack box for $10, and this year it’s closer to $25,” she shared with the outlet.

Parents have been noticing this as well with some sharing how the cost of back-to-school supplies has gotten out of hand.

TikTok user @cramer.crew, known as Christy, recently shared her annual back-to-school haul for two kids. Her list included the usual suspects like dry-erase markers, folders, notebooks, glue sticks, tissues, and paper towels. Most items were store brands, particularly Target's, which another local mom found to be the cheapest. Christy skipped big-ticket items like electronics and didn’t include backpacks or lunchboxes, which she bought separately. Despite reusing some items like her older child’s backpack and calculator, her total still came to $170.23.

“Absolutely insane. Insane!” she exclaimed.

Another parent, @addi_archers_mommy, known as Harlee, shared her frustration: “I just spent about $100 on my first grader’s school supplies,” she said. “And they wouldn’t even let me buy anything fun.”

She showed her haul, noting the specific name brands required. Although Harlee didn’t always stick to those brands, a teacher friend explained that these requests often come from experience, as investing in quality can save money long-term.

No one seems to blame teachers for the costs. In fact, Christy, in the comments of her video, expressed appreciation for teachers, telling one commenter, “Crazy how teachers are expected to provide it all.”

As the back-to-school season kicks off, some retailers are stepping up to ease the financial burden on teachers by offering discounts and special deals on classroom supplies. They’re rolling out special deals and discounts to help educators fill their classrooms without emptying their wallets. Ready to see which stores are making it easier for teachers to snag those must-have supplies? Take a look at the list below and find out who’s offering a helping hand this school year.

New members can get a $20 or $40 Costco Shop Card, an exclusive offer for teachers. Teachers also receive a 10% discount at most Dollar Tree locations by showing a valid school ID. At Michael’s, teachers save 15% on every purchase. Office Depot offers a 10% discount on in-store purchases for teachers. Staples provides a 20% discount on in-store purchases with an app coupon and teacher ID. Additionally, teachers can enjoy 20% off storewide at Target through Target Circle, available until Saturday, August 24.

Both teachers and students can access Adobe Pro, which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and InDesign, for just $19.99 per month during the first year, and $34.99 per month thereafter. Additionally, teachers and their families can enjoy a 25% discount on AT&T wireless plans, starting at $27 per month for four lines. Instructors can save up to $25 per month on Verizon's Unlimited wireless plans. Canva offers free access to creating lesson plans, posters, and infographics through this link. Teachers get six months of Babbel lessons for $36, a 60 percent discount. Teachers also receive discounts on Google Workspace for Education, which includes Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet, and more, as well as discounts on Chromebooks. Office 365 Education and Microsoft Teams are available for free, along with a 10% discount on Windows devices. The Apple Store for Education offers discounted items for K-12 teachers, including select Macbooks and iPad.

Books will always be essential for both students and teachers, and there are discounts available for educators looking to expand their collections. Teachers can enjoy up to 25% off on books, toys, and games by joining Barnes & Noble Educators. The Scholastic Teacher Store offers great items for 25% off and up to 50% off with other sales and deals. Scholastic also hosts book fairs and warehouse sales where teachers can purchase items at marked-down prices. Additionally, local bookstores often offer similar discounts for teachers, so it's worth checking out nearby options to find the best deals.