“Resale for Robbie” Fundraiser Helps Little Boy with Cancer
By Quezia Salgado
When Robert Capel and his wife Becky found out their son Robbie had been diagnosed with the rare, aggressive cancer Fibro Sarcoma , the news shook the entire family. Robbie is known to his family and friends as the happiest, sweetest, and most compassionate 5-year old, who loves being a big brother. About two months ago, after discovering a small bump on his right arm, his parents decided to take him to a pediatrician, who then ordered MRI and x-rays to be done. After the tests, followed a biopsy, but since doctors were not yet sure of the nature of the bump, they referred Robbie and his family to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Several weeks later results came back with the cancer diagnosis and Robbie was next referred to Miami Children’s Hospital.
On that same week, Capel lost his job along with his health coverage, and due to Robbie’s condition, his mom Becky had been taking a lot of time off work to care for him and his little brother Austin. Robbie is currently going through chemotherapy, and his family remains positive for his recovery. Capel created a page on www.gofundme.com/Robbie, where donations can be made to support Robbie and his family in this tough time, as they struggle to cover the costs of traveling to and from the hospital every day, along with parking fees, as well as trying to maintain the household expenses, and care for their second child.
When Capel’s cousin Julie Maurer, owner of Zanna Jane’s House of Consignment, heard about the family’s situation, she decided to hold a “Resale for Robbie” fundraiser at the store. .
The event was held on May 31st and June 1st, where donated items were put out for a sidewalk sale, and along with a bake sale and raffles, all the funds went directly towards Robbie and his family. “The support was overwhelming; we had a great response and a couple hundred people showed up. Our goal was to raise $2,000 and we passed it,” says Maurer. As the Capel’s remain focused on their little boy’s recovery, they continue to receive donations on the website and ask that the community keep them in their thoughts and prayers.
