By PAM SCHIFF

When Al Saccoccia was permanently paralyzed following a routine epidural procedure in November of 2020, he never thought he would fight this battle with a full army behind him.

On Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, at Tomaselli’s at Rosario, over 200 people attended an event to help Al, and to achieve his goal of making his home more wheelchair accessible.

The event was organized by longtime school friend Kimberly Zompa-Sanzi. When Kim heard about Al’s situation, she reached out to him and within one week had the event rolling.

“People love Al. Between raffle ticket sales and entry ticket sales that day, we were overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity,” said Zompa-Sanzi.

There were over 80 raffle prizes, ranging from restaurants, gift cards, massages and florists to name a few.

Zompa-Sanzi started to tear up while talking about Al.

“We’ve known each other since Western Hills Middle School. Today, my heart is happy. These are tears of happiness and gratitude,” she said.

Entertainment was provided throughout the whole day by Danny Tuirok, Ace Aceto, Music Express, John Perrotta and  Michael Panarello.

For Al and his wife, Cheryl, the event was staggering.

“It was so overwhelming. I tried to get speak to each and everyone even if it was for couple minutes,” said Al.

Al was fighting his anxiety at the event.

“My anxiety was killing me because again I don’t like being in crowds and I get anxiety because if it. This has only been the last year that I’ve been injured because I never had that before. Before I was always joking and kidding around now I kind of sit and in my head think everyone is looking at me but they really could care less,” he said.

Al confessed that due to his stomach being in knots he was unable to enjoy the food, but acknowledges that everyone told him how delicious it was.

Al and Cheryl say they are indebted to Zompa-Sanzi and her crew.

“I really can’t thank her enough. She took the ball and ran with it; the whole day was absolutely incredible. The raffles were amazing and of course Kim’s helpers: Julie, Melissa and Alaina,” he said.

Al had restaurants dropping raffles off at his house right up to about 11 a.m. on the day of the event.

While the turnout for the event was amazing, Al was surprised by some messages.

“I hadn’t looked at my phone til I got home, and I had 13 messages from people saying they couldn’t get in because of parking. I will say it felt so good knowing people think of me in a way that they wanted to attend,” Al said.

Besides raising funds, there were other positive results from that day.

We had four contractors offer to fix our house and put a small addition on. Instead of one doing the whole job, they will work together to get it done,” Al said.

The contractors will basically push out the wall on the right side of the house to add space to the kitchen/dining and living room. With that being done, they can spread out the furniture and it will allow him space to move around and push out the kitchen island.

That way he can get around to the stove and also get into his refrigerator.

“Al needs to get back into the kitchen. That is where he belongs, it is his happy place,” said Zompa-Sanzi.

Zompa-Sanzi offered praise for the kind of guy her friend is.

“The event was heartwarming for sure and the turnout was above expectations. People truly are for Al. He is a great man and always has been and the event showed just that,” she said.