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Despite cancer diagnosis, local girl shows resilience, gives back

By Paul Palmer

Staff Writer

Marisa Caponetti is accompanied by her dad Gary as she throws out the first pitch at Softball Night In Simsbury.

SIMSBURY – Marisa Caponetti was like a lot of 13-year-olds in the fall of 2021. She was settling into life as an 8th grader at Henry James Middle School in Simsbury, enjoying school, her friends, drawing and, of course, lacrosse.

When her right shoulder started bothering her, her parents had it checked out. The diagnosis, after an X-Ray, was tendinitis and the prescription was rest. Things didn’t get better when Marisa started playing lacrosse again, so a second visit produced the same diagnosis and physical therapy. On Jan. 31, 2022 Marissa’s shoulder had swollen and was painful to the touch. The next day she was taken for another X-Ray and everything changed for Marisa, her father Gary, mother Francesca, sister Ava, brother Nicholas, their friends and community.

“Gary was with her. We thought maybe she just popped her shoulder out,” her mother said. “We were not expecting cancer at all.”

But this time there was what looked to be a mass in her shoulder. “We had no time to process it. A friend drove me to them at the doctor’s office and they were already lining up an oncologist and surgeon.”

Over the next few days, working with Dr. Michael Isakof and Dr. Adam Lindsay at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center both of whom are from Simsbury, the family would learn more. An MRI indicated it was most likely bone cancer. A biopsy would confirm that it was Osteosarcoma – a rare cancer of the bone.

The cancer was in her right shoulder and it had been caught at Stage II. The treatment would be long and hard. The psychological effects could be tremendous on a 13-year-old, but no this one.

“What she’s going through – lots of folks complain about small things – she has not complained at all,” her father Gary said.

Marisa was immediately put on chemotherapy before undergoing surgery to remove the growth plate in her right humorous and replace it with a cadaver bone. She is on a 9-month chemotherapy regimen: Three weeks a month at CCMC and that will run until February. After the diagnosis and first round of treatment the family was heading home when Marisa came up with an idea.

“We left the hospital,” remembers her father, “and she says I want to put some baskets together for the other kids there.” They collected materials for 40 baskets and Marisa has been making and filling and delivering them while she is being treated. “She said to us, you raised me to be a good Christian and if I can do something I’m gonna do it,” said her mother. But that was just the start of the selflessness this 13-year-old who is wise beyond her years would display.

“I’m not focused on the bad,” Marisa said. “You might be sick of getting chemo. Chemo is really harsh. You gotta look for all the good.”

In this case, that good is coming in the form of a huge effort by the family to fund research for other children diagnosed with cancer. They had a discussion as to how they could help, and asked Marisa’s doctors what they really needed.

Marisa Caponetti with her sister Ava.

“They said they would need $100,000 do be able to do any research studies. We said we’ll do that,” said Gary. “We realized to make a difference in other lives we need big money. That was the birth of a movement known as ‘#CapoStrong.’”

Marisa’s former elementary school – Squadron Line – and its PTO offered up the chance for people to show their support by purchasing a flock of pink flamingos to go in their yards. Donations large and small started pouring into the fund and in its first 5 weeks, it had surpassed the $65,000 mark. An amazing number for her family, but just part of the outpouring of love and support they have received.

“I don’t think we’ve cooked a meal since February,” Gary said. “We actually have had to tell folks on some nights to hold off because we want to cook.”

“When everyone is doing even little things, it makes me feel very loved and they can help me do things like raise $100,000.. and that’s a good thing,” Marisa said of the support. She says her friends have taken the attitude of ‘it’s not going to change how they talk or deal with me.’

“I told them to ask me any questions that they have.”

For her father Gary, seeing his daughter’s spirit has reinforced something he knew already knew about Marisa. “I was wondering what it would take for her to break. She’s not even close to breaking.”

Last summer, Marisa decided she wanted to play softball, a sport she had never played. She practiced and joined the Simsbury Softball and played for the season. One of her neighbors, Andy Curtiss, is the Vice President of Simsbury Little League Softball and has seen Marisa and her siblings growing up and he decided that there was something they could do to help.

Each year the Simsbury Little League Softball hosts ‘Softball night in Simsbury.’ Normally it’s held at the start of the season, the players and coaches from each team are introduced and a special guest throws out the first pitch of the season. But this year, Curtiss decided to incorporate support for #CapoStrong into the event, moving to the end of the season and having Marisa throw out the first pitch to her sister Ava.

“I wanted to do something besides announcing players and coaches,” said Curtiss. So Curtiss worked with the Baseball and Softball League sponsors and officials and presented a check for nearly $2,000 to the fund. “Watching her grow up makes it all the more special.”

Marisa’s form of cancer is responsive to chemotherapy and has a high survival rate. For now the family will continue with their routine, and Marisa will continue her treatments. She has been forced to stop attending school in person, but is home schooling. She has taught herself to draw with her left hand and says she’s just going to have to learn how to play lacrosse with the left hand.

“If I sit down and think it is a spiral of bad things that could happen,” said the 13-year-old. “I hope for things and work towards them and helping others is a good thing.”

Gary and Francesca exude pride when they talk about Marisa and how she is handling things. After coming home from her first round of chemo, they had bought wigs for Marisa to wear as she lost her hair. Instead, Marisa shaved off what was left of her hair and told her parents she was taking the dog for a walk through the neighborhood.

“She is being herself,” said her mother. “She’s doing exactly what she’s always done and I am proud of her for being true to herself.”

That pride extends throughout her entire family. Her younger sister Ava describes Marisa as” my brave, big sister.”

Anyone wishing to donate to #CapoStrong or learn more about Marisa or Osteosarcoma can visit https://give.connecticutchildrens.org/fundraiser/3881427.


Gary, Marisa and Francesca Caponetti





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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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