A Night of Music to help Cancer Patients

After losing her husband, Keith Lebo, to pancreatic cancer in 2009, Charlene Lebo channeled her grief into action. While planning a fundraising event in 2010, she faced a second loss when her brother-in-law, Jim DeSantie, also passed away from the same disease. Together with her sister Suzanne, and supported by their family and friends, they launched "A Night of Music." This highly successful and moving annual fundraiser honors both Keith and Jim, raising essential funds for St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound to directly benefit cancer patients and their families.

This year's event is on Saturday, November 15th at the Fairfield Theater Company (FTC).

For Charlene, the decision to donate the event's proceeds to the Swim Across the Sound is deeply personal and connected to the empathy she received after Keith's passing.

"The reason I donate to the Swim is because of Dr. Stuart Marcus," Charlene shares. Dr. Marcus, the former president of St. Vincent's Medical Center, took the time to meet with her after her husband's death and spent over an hour explaining the complexities of what had happened. Although Keith received treatment at a different hospital, he met Dr. Marcus early in his diagnosis. That compassionate meeting left a lasting impression on Charlene, and it’s this spirit of personalized care and support that fuels her continued commitment to the Swim's mission.

Jim DeSantie received care at St. Vincent's Medical Center, choosing doctors he respected, including Dr. Chris Iannuzzi. Even while facing a difficult diagnosis, Jim always felt he had a compassionate team dedicated to his well-being.

"A Night of Music” has been a beloved tradition in the local fundraising community for over a decade. Last year, the event raised an outstanding $72,000 in support of the Swim Across the Sound. This remarkable achievement reflects both the community's generosity and the dedication of Charlene, Suzanne, and their network of family and friends. Every dollar raised goes directly toward easing the financial and emotional burdens faced by local cancer patients.

Mark your calendars to be a part of this inspiring night of music, food, drink and silent auction:

• What: A Night of Music
• When: Friday, November 15th
• Time: 630pm – 10pm
• Where: Fairfield Theater Company (FTC) Tickets -A Night of Music Saturday Nov 15th
• Featuring the Bands: The Heavy Hitters and Hazzard County