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A son’s illness inspires a family’s giving

The Allegretti family (from left) Carl, Nicky, Joey and Tammy.

Philanthropy and volunteerism have long played an important role in Carl Allegretti’s life. He is an active member of a number of nonprofit organizations in Chicago and the suburbs, to which he gives generously. But of all the institutions he supports, one has a particularly special place in his heart — Children’s Memorial Hospital, where he says his son Joey’s life was saved.

A gifted athlete, at age 14 Joey was ranked the No. 1 wrestler in the state of Illinois in the 215-pound weight class when he became ill during a family trip to Florida. Just hours after he was taken to a children’s hospital in Miami for evaluation, the family received shocking news: Joey had leukemia. “A 14-year-old kid should be having fun, not having to deal with something like this,” says Carl. “But Joey never once complained.”

As soon as Joey, his mom, Tammy, younger brother Nicky and Carl returned to Chicago, Joey began treatment under the care of Elaine Morgan, MD, an oncologist in Children’s Memorial’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, who recommended a three-year course of chemotherapy.

While the effects of his treatments presented Joey with a number of challenges, having to sit out the 2007 wrestling season was also difficult for this natural competitor. To show his love and support for Joey, his brother Nicky, also a state championship wrestler, dedicated his season to his older brother. That year Nicky had a 41-0 record and became state and national champion in his division.

“The boys are each other’s biggest fans,” says Carl. “Something like this is a life-changing event for a family, and while we were a close family before, now we have an incredible bond.”

Joey focused on getting well and regaining his strength. Just 15 months after he was diagnosed with leukemia, and while still undergoing chemo treatments, Joey returned to competitive wrestling. Amazingly, he won both the 2008 state and national championship in the 275-pound weight class, and was named “Outstanding Wrestler” in the national tournament.

Carl says Joey remains an inspiration to others. He is a straight-A student at Lincoln-Way East High School in south suburban Frankfort, and says medicine is one of several potential career paths he’s interested in. Joey’s leukemia is in remission, and he is scheduled to have his final chemo treatment in December.

“He’s a pretty tough kid today because of Children’s Memorial,” says Carl. “Now he views having cancer as just a blip in his life.”

Carl and Tammy are members of Children’s Circle of Care, a group of generous individuals and family foundations who give $10,000 or more annually to 24 children’s hospitals across North America, including Children's Memorial.

“Children’s Memorial saved my son’s life, and for that I will forever be indebted,” says Carl. “There’s nothing worse than a kid who is sick, and the only way to find cures is to give to organizations like Children’s Memorial. I will continue to give to the hospital as long as I am able to, and I strongly urge others to give as well.”

Joey is one of a number of Children’s Memorial patients and donors featured in ABC7’s Champions of Children’s Memorial special, which will be broadcast on Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m.