This is what East Boston is all about...coming together to help a fellow resident during their time of need,” City Councilor Sal LaMattina exclaimed at a fundraiser for Anthony Albano Jr. at Kelly’s Pub last week.
Albano, 26, son of well-known Anthony Albano Sr., was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome at birth and must undergo an emergency surgery to correct a potentially life- threatening thoracic aortic aneurysm this month at St. Luke’s Heart Institute in Houston, Texas.
Marfan Syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder of the connective tissue characterized by disproportionately long limbs, long thin fingers, a typically tall stature, and a predisposition to cardiovascular abnormalities, specifically those affecting the heart valves and aorta.
Marfan Syndrome specifically causes a weakening of the aorta, making it susceptible to aortic aneurysm. Aneurysms which involve the ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta are termed “thoracic aortic aneurysms”. Aneurysms in these regions are prone to rupture once they reach a certain size. Fifty percent of patients who experience a rupture of a thoracic aortic aneurysm die before reaching the hospital.
The fundraiser last Tuesday was planned by Councilor LaMattina, Albano’s father, and John Forbes of the mayor’s office.
“We sent out an e-mail letting people know about the fundraiser on Friday afternoon,” said LaMattina. “It’s amazing to see how many people responded.”
The fundraiser raised over $12,000 that will be used by Albano’s family for the plane trip to Texas and for room and board once he is in Houston.