Introduction
Most of you know him as “Captain Carl.” Whether he was in the sulky, training in the barns, or lighting up the track with grit and passion, my brother, Carl Cito Jr., has always been a force of nature in the harness racing world. His life and work have long been defined by determination and the drive to win. Since March 2019, Carl has been running a very different kind of race—one without cheering crowds or a finish line. He has been quietly and courageously battling Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma, which began in his kidney and has since spread to other parts of his body.
The Heart of the Story
Carl’s journey has been incredibly challenging. The cancer has metastasized to his lungs and, more recently, to his lower rib cage. Doctors were able to remove a tumor from his lungs, but surgery is no longer an option for the tumor near his spine. Instead, Carl continues to fight through radiation treatments in hopes of slowing the disease. Carl is tough, proud, and a fighter to his core. But even the strongest “Captains” need a dedicated crew behind them. After years of treatments, surgeries, and relentless perseverance, the burden has simply become too heavy for him to carry alone. This disease has not only taken a toll on Carl’s body; it has created an overwhelming financial strain from mounting medical bills, specialized care, and daily living expenses—many of which insurance does not cover.
The Call to Action
We are reaching out to the community that Carl loves so deeply—his family, friends, and the harness racing horsemen and fans who have cheered him on through every turn. Our goal is to surround Carl with the emotional and financial support he needs so he can focus fully on his health and peace of mind. Any contribution, no matter the size, is a powerful reminder that Carl is not facing this fight alone. If you’re unable to give financially, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers and consider sharing this page or leaving a message for “Captain Carl” below. Your words of encouragement mean more than you know. Whatever way you can help, please know it truly means the world to us. Your kindness and generosity can make a meaningful difference in his journey. Thank you for loving my brother and for standing by him in the homestretch.
With appreciation and gratitude,
The Cito Family.
Most of you know him as “Captain Carl.” Whether he was in the sulky, training in the barns, or lighting up the track with grit and passion, my brother, Carl Cito Jr., has always been a force of nature in the harness racing world. His life and work have long been defined by determination and the drive to win. Since March 2019, Carl has been running a very different kind of race—one without cheering crowds or a finish line. He has been quietly and courageously battling Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma, which began in his kidney and has since spread to other parts of his body.
The Heart of the Story
Carl’s journey has been incredibly challenging. The cancer has metastasized to his lungs and, more recently, to his lower rib cage. Doctors were able to remove a tumor from his lungs, but surgery is no longer an option for the tumor near his spine. Instead, Carl continues to fight through radiation treatments in hopes of slowing the disease. Carl is tough, proud, and a fighter to his core. But even the strongest “Captains” need a dedicated crew behind them. After years of treatments, surgeries, and relentless perseverance, the burden has simply become too heavy for him to carry alone. This disease has not only taken a toll on Carl’s body; it has created an overwhelming financial strain from mounting medical bills, specialized care, and daily living expenses—many of which insurance does not cover.
The Call to Action
We are reaching out to the community that Carl loves so deeply—his family, friends, and the harness racing horsemen and fans who have cheered him on through every turn. Our goal is to surround Carl with the emotional and financial support he needs so he can focus fully on his health and peace of mind. Any contribution, no matter the size, is a powerful reminder that Carl is not facing this fight alone. If you’re unable to give financially, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers and consider sharing this page or leaving a message for “Captain Carl” below. Your words of encouragement mean more than you know. Whatever way you can help, please know it truly means the world to us. Your kindness and generosity can make a meaningful difference in his journey. Thank you for loving my brother and for standing by him in the homestretch.
With appreciation and gratitude,
The Cito Family.