PARSIPPANY — A delicious “Pasta & Meatball Fundraiser” sponsored by Parsippany Fire Districts 5 and 6, Parsippany Elks and Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 was held to benefit the family of Chris Chmura in their time of need.
The event was held at Fire House District 5 Station 2 in Parsippany. Many of the Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 members volunteered to cook, serve and do whatever was necessary to help make this event a success.
Many thanks to local business who donated to the event: ShopRite of Parsippany, Johnny’s Tavern, Encore Catering, Anthony and Sons Bakery, Walgreens and St. Peter’s Church.
There is no lack of volunteerism and community spirit in Parsippany, and that is something we can certainly be very proud of. The home made sauce was truly exceptional and there were plenty of compliments about the meatballs, sausage and penne pasta.
Earlier this year, Chris Chmura went to the hospital for an issue he was having in his chest and lower back. After some x rays and bloodwork, the results came back positive for blood clots in his lung, requiring a CT scan. Through the CT scan they found a mass in the lower lobe of his right lung and another one outside his lung sitting on a lymph node. Unfortunately, they were found to be malignant and he was diagnosed with lung cancer.
On May 5, Chris went to the hospital for some pain after a terrible couple days at home. They received a horrible blow when they were told the cancer had metastasized to his bones and he was now terminally ill.
Chris was fighting valiantly against bone metastasis. He’s dealt with numerous broken bones, excruciating physical therapy sessions, painful transfers back and forth to palliative radiation therapy, and bedrest. He had pins and screws placed in his humerus just to try to get him some relief from the pain he was in. He’s been unable to walk and is completely dependent on CeAnna and the nurses for everything.
Chris never met a stranger. To the continued amazement of his wife, he made friends everywhere he went. Whether at the kid’s sporting events, at chemotherapy, or at the grocery store, he was a friend to all and would talk long into the night. He was only able to fight as long and as hard as he did, due to the support of his friends and loved ones. They carried him through the last months of his life and he knows they will carry his wife and his children through their lives.
Chris unfortunately recently passed away at the age of 41.
Chmura is survived by his wife, CeAnna; their children Anthony (Onipenco), Brayden and Candace; his parents Lois and Ed Chmura; siblings Heather and Craig Chmura of Roxbury; and countless friends and loved ones.
To donate to their GoFundMe account, click here.
