Michael’s Cause

“The face of one young
man with a disease
that affects so many”

Help our fight against
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

2024 NYC Half Marathon

We’re proud sponsors of the 2024 NYC Half Marathon on March 17, 2024, and you’re invited to join us. Secure your spot in this exhilarating event, receive official race day shirts, and support a great cause. Learn more about how your passion for running can make a meaningful difference.

Official Charity Partner of the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon 20224
Official Charity Partner of the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon 20224

2023 Step for a Cure 5k run and walk September 17, 2023

Our family and Michael’s Cause extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for contributing to the tremendous success of the 11th annual Step for a Cure 5k Run and Walk. This year marked a significant milestone with an impressive turnout, featuring over 500 runners and 800 walkers.

We would like to express our appreciation to the incredible community of supporters, encompassing both walkers and runners. Special thanks are in order for the numerous schools that formed teams and had their students participate in this event…

Michael taking a photo with the runners from Monsignor Farrell High School at the 2023 Step For a Cure
Michael taking a photo with the runners from Monsignor Farrell High School at the 2023 Step For a Cure

About Michael

Michael Capolongo is a 16-year-old junior in high school on Staten Island, NY. Michael has a magnetic personality. Michael was diagnosed with Duchenne in November 2010 and has endured more in the past 11 years than many have in a lifetime.

About DMD

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder that involves rapidly worsening muscle weakness. It is a recessive x-linked (passes mother to son) form of muscular dystrophy. It results in muscle degeneration, difficulty walking, breathing, and ultimately death. 1 in 3,500 boys is affected worldwide.

Michael’s Cause Helps The Community

Michael’s Cause distributed Lunch tote snack bags to Staten Island University Hospital North and South nursing staff as a thanks for all of the hard work in treating and caring for so many Covid patients over the past several months.


Michael’s Cause was proud to contribute to St. Peter and Paul and Assumption Food Pantry yesterday with the donation of food that was collected from the supporters of Michael’s Cause as well as the Monsignor Farrell Football team. In addition because of funds donated to Michael’s Cause, we were able to present a check to Father Michael Chichon in the amount of $2500 to help keep the pantry stocked in the upcoming weeks. We want to thank Linda D’ Auria Petrocelli and Michelle Petrocelli for making us aware of this very worthwhile cause. We would like to thank all of you for once again helping Michael’s Cause in order to allow us to help the community during this very tough time


Upcoming events

Check back soon for more upcoming events.


Michael's Cause Has Funded over $1.6 million towards research

Thank you to our sponsors, donors and volunteers for supporting Michael’s Cause.

Help our fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy