On Valentine’s Day in 2020, Charlie DeGennaro's life changed. He had been diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, completely paralyzed, and was admitted to Blythedale for comprehensive rehabilitation.
Today, Charlie, his family, and the Yorktown community generously give back to Blythedale through their annual #CharlieStrong game, with all proceeds going to the Hospital.
Hear from Charlie why he continues to give back. Join us in making life-changing care possible for every child who needs it and be the Blythedale Difference. 💜
#WhatsYourWhy
A huge heartfelt thank you to former patient Charlie DeGennaro, his family and Yorktown Varsity Basketball Coach Mark Pavella and the Yorktown community for their ongoing support! Once again, you went above and beyond to raise funds for Blythedale at the annual Charlie Strong basketball game. And ICYMI: Hear Charlie’s full story on our podcast: https://t.co/bth7PIHniF
From rock bottom to a renewed perspective on life, this episode is a powerful reminder to never take the “ordinary” for granted.
“I seriously appreciate everything that I’m able to do now… even just to go to class. The normal stuff you don’t think twice about. It’s really a blessing.”
When life can change in an instant, gratitude becomes everything.
⚠️ Did you miss our most recent episode of #JourneysOfHope?
🏩 🎙️ Catch up now with Charlie, and his mom Jill, and hear how resilience can reshape the way we see each day.
https://t.co/02RtCQ46gT
#ICYMI #Podcast #Gratitude #Resilience #BlythedaleStrong
"Every win was a good win."
Even when everything changed in an instant.
Charlie’s journey from a healthy teen playing basketball to facing transverse myelitis is a powerful reminder of life’s unpredictability.
His story teaches us the importance of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges.
👇 👂 🎙️ Listen and Watch our new #JourneysOfHope episode: https://t.co/02RtCQ46gT
#Hope #OvercomingObstacles #Podcast
“Blythedale makes miracles happen.”
That’s what a former patient now shares with kids and families just beginning their journey.
After facing challenges that once felt overwhelming, Charlie and his family found strength, progress, and hope, guided every step of the way by the doctors, nurses, and therapists who never gave up on them.
Charlie's message today: trust the process, trust the people, and believe in what’s possible.
👂🎙️ Tune in to hear Charlie and his mom's powerful story when the full episode drops on Wednesday.
‼️ In the meantime, catch up on our #JourneysOfHope podcast: https://t.co/9pRtnoiObV
Always grateful to know this young man. Thank you for being an inspiration!! And for reminding me this game is so much bigger.
All love for you kid! @CharlieDege3
@Coach_Loughran@YHSDeGennaro Thank you so much!! I really appreciate your support last night and always! An amazing night!! Good luck the rest of the season!!
Incredible showing for tonight's Charlie Strong Yorktown vs Somers boys basketball game! Packed house for a great cause 🌽 #letsgotown@YHSDeGennaro@YCSD_Athletics
2 Towns/1 Cause! A special night at YHS. Many thanks to so many. Both coaches & staffs, student/athletes & communities. AND….it was a terrific game! Well coached & played by talented athletes.🌽 @YCSD_Athletics@YorktownH@YorktownCSD@Somersboyshoops
Just want to take a second& thank @YHSDeGennaro & his family for being so welcoming last night. As well as @CharlieDege3 , being able to honor you in your strength, courage&fight… a huge crowd last night, isn’t just a “rivalry game”, it showed how much your story impacts US.
Don’t miss out on this great event!!!
Looking forward to coming together with a neighboring community for something bigger than sports!
@Somersboyshoops
Looking forward to being part of this prestigious event!!
#CharlieStrong Game hosted @ Yorktown HS!!
QR code attached to pre-order a shirt!
All proceeds going towards @Blythedale Children’s Hospital. While also honoring one of the best, Charlie DeGennaro
Bigger than hoops!