The life of Billy Contreras changed when he met Rocco DiMaggio.
That was four years ago when Rocco was just 2 years old and going through treatment for stomach cancer.
What You Need To Know
- Billy Contreras started the Child Abuse Prevention Organization, or C.A.P.O., to help kids dealing with cancer and other traumas
- He was inspired by Rocco, a 2-year-old boy who was fighting stomach cancer
- C.A.P.O. is now planning a benefit to support pediatric cancer research after Rocco's illness relapsed
“He still smiles, and he’s still grateful for what’s around him,” Contreras said.
It created a deep friendship for Contreras and Rocco’s family.
That moment also led to the launch of the Child Abuse Prevention Organization, or C.A.P.O., in 2021.
It has helped hundreds of kids going through traumatic situations, whether that be abuse or illness.
“I want people to know that this could be any one of our kids and we have to stand with them as they battle in this fight [with] cancer or whatever it may be,” Contreras said.
C.A.P.O. has arranged first responder caravans for kids.
Members of the group drive children around on their motorcycles and take them on field trips.
A sign of his dedication, Contreras even had Rocco’s name tattooed onto his arm.
It’s been immense love and loss. C.A.P.O. has lost three kids to cancer in the last seven months.
“The worst thing, as a father myself, was watching the parents at their funerals and seeing them watch their kids,” Contreras said. “Toughest thing ever.”
That made the news of Rocco’s cancer relapse last month hurt even more.
“He was in remission for three years and I knew I didn’t expect it,” he said.
So now Contreras and C.A.P.O. are throwing a fundraiser on April 20 to benefit the nonprofit organization Rocco’s family started to fund pediatric cancer research.
“It’s amazing to know we have people in our corner supporting us,” said Gabriella DiMaggio, Rocco’s mother.
“When it’s one of our own, we come together,” Contreras said.
Local businesses are chipping in gift certificates to raffle off. A catering hall is hosting the event for free.
It’s meant to be a moment of unity for kids still in treatment, and for those who have lost their battles.
“In this case, it’s about raising awareness about childhood cancer,” Contreras said. “And I want these kids to know that they’ll never fight alone.”
For going the extra mile for families with cancer, Billy Contreras is our New Yorker of the Week.