Help Gaetano's Recovery

On August 26th, Gaetano Bompastore was injured in a terrible car accident on Interstate 91 in Connecticut. He is currently in critical care in Hartford Hospital, after having had broken ribs and spinal injury.

Gaetano pictured with US Chess Champion Sam Shankland

My name is Matthias Galvin; with the help of Ann Regan and her father Mark Regan, we are organizing this fundraiser to help with the medical costs associated with his care.

I have known Gaetano for almost a decade, all through the association of playing chess. Gaetano is an excellent chess player, who plays strong and is very dedicated. I've been able to see his passion for the game grow over time, and it coincided with a tremendous growth in improvement. (For what it's worth, I remember the years ago I would beat him as often as he beat me, and now I never win). In recent years, he's had the great tutorship of another very strong player who I mentioned, Mark Regan.

(L to R): Ann, Gaetano, Mark, and Erin

Gaetano and Mark are close friends. Through chess, Gaetano has become a close personal friend of the family, being there for Mark through both good times and bad. Gaetano has always had a good heart, and he's shown it at the times that it's mattered.

Gaetano with his girlfriend Laura

Those of us who have known Gaetano from chess club know him for his passion, and his commitment to the game and his family & friends. He's always been a spirited man, and always willing to give to others in any circumstance. I appreciate knowing him very much, which is why it's so saddening to hear about his current situation.

With your help, we can help assist him with some of the costs of his medical bills. I've chosen $2000 because I believe that we can reach that goal. Any amount helps, and we're all hoping that we can exceed it. No amount is too much.  Thank you very much for reading. 

Gaetano with Ed Kostreba, Western Mass Chess tournament organizer

Gaetano with close friend Bob Campbell