The Irish Pub in Baldwin hosted a “Kidney for a Coach” fundraiser on Jan. 17 to support a local family raising money for Chris Morro, a longtime Baldwin resident who is in need of a kidney transplant.
Morro, 55, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a child. Complications from the disease led him to begin dialysis about a year ago, and he is now awaiting a kidney transplant, according to his family.
The fundraiser was organized by Morro’s children, Amanda Castillo and Christopher Morro, who said they wanted to help offset living expenses their parents are expected to face following the transplant. Castillo approached Irish Pub owner Shawn Sabel with the idea, and he agreed to host the event.
Attendees paid a $20 entry fee, with proceeds benefiting the Morro family. In exchange, guests received a bracelet that included one complimentary drink and a raffle ticket. Additional 50/50 and basket raffle tickets were available for purchase throughout the evening to further support the cause. The pub remained busy throughout the night as friends, neighbors, fellow coaches and community members stopped by to show their support.
The event’s name, “Kidney for a Coach,” reflects Morro’s longtime involvement in youth sports. He is the owner and president of the Baldwin Long Island Royals baseball organization and has spent years volunteering his time to support young athletes. Until health complications forced him to step away from the field, Morro could often be found running the concession stand at Baldwin Park during games.
“It’s really just about bringing awareness,” Castillo said, adding that the priority of her family right now is finding her father a live kidney donor.
Castillo said the fundraiser brought in about $5,000 for her family, and donations continue to come in as Morro awaits a transplant.“There are so many things that my dad does [for the community],” Castillo said. “For people to come out, be there for him, and really help him, you know, they showed up for my dad.” Although there has been progress made in donations, Morro is still in need of a donor and getting on the transplant list with NYU Langone Health.
“This special night [was] about community, hope, and coming together to support someone who has meant so much to so many,” Samantha Cools said on a Facebook post about the event.
