CJ Sabia Scholarship

As most of you know, our colleague Chris Sabia was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer days after returning home from his honeymoon on September of 2015.  It was the most unique feeling- riding the highest of highs, and then experiencing the lowest of lows all within days of each other, but early on Chris decided he was determined to get better. 

 During his treatment Chris would physically have good days and bad days, receive good news and bad news, and get back good scans and bad scans.  The cancer kept finding a way around the medications and treatment that had temporarily been effective but Chris never wavered.  He kept his eye on the prize.  On December 13, 2017, he received one of his most precious gifts that gave him another reason to fight- his son Christopher James (CJ) Sabia was born.  CJ became a bright light that would magically remove the thought of cancer from Chris and Emma’s lives. 

 While CJ served as a new inspiration to beat cancer, things inside of Chris were not getting better.  In February 2017 Chris’ scan had shown that the main tumor in his right lung had grown, and that a couple new lesions were now on his liver.  After so many appointments, tests, and multiple biopsies the new plan was to undergo multiple rounds of old-school chemo.  Although Chris fought to the very end and never gave up, lung cancer ultimately took him on July 14th 2017. 

 Chris had so many plans in life, and would tell me near the end that he was scared.  Scared to leave his wife and son behind.  Scared to never see his boy grow up, and miss out on the ever so special father-son relationship.  Chris had dreams of CJ attending University of North Carolina to play baseball as a starting pitcher!  Chris himself was a left handed pitcher but he wanted CJ to be a right handed pitcher, as that would offer him better opportunities. 

 As you all know, Chris was the type of person who would give the shirt off his back if someone needed it. I know many of us experienced this first hand here at CDI.  In Chris’ honor, how amazing would it be make his dream come true and help send baby CJ to UNC! If you are able, please consider donating so we can get CJ’s college education off to an easy start.

Baby CJ is currently 9 months old, and always laughing and smiling.  He loves to clap to get your attention, and he has two teeth.  His best friends are his dog Gino and Mommy. 

Your love and support is appreciated.  Thank you!