By Mark Rosman
Staff Writer
MARLBORO – As Chris Carrino puts it, for years, he has been a voice for some of the greatest athletes in the world. Now, as he says, he is a voice “for those whose courage far exceeds their physical strength.”
Carrino, 45, a resident of Marlboro, is the radio play-by-play man for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. He is also a voice, an advocate and a fundraiser for people who have Facio Scapulo Humeral Dystrophy (FSHD), a form of muscular dystrophy that affects thousands of adults and children worldwide.
Carrino was diagnosed with FSHD in his early 20’s. In 2011, he founded the Chris Carrino Foundation for FSHD. The volunteer foundation provides funding to research scientists in the hope that stimulating scientific research in the field of FSHD will lead to an effective treatment and eventually to a cure for a disease that affects children and adults.
While there currently is no treatment or cure for the disease, in the last few years researchers believe they have discovered the cause of FSHD, according to Carrino, who said, “This has led to a newfound urgency to accelerate further research.”
The Chris Carrino Foundation for FSHD has joined with groups around the world in declaring June 20 World FSHD Day.
To commemorate the occasion, Carrino and his wife, Laura, will host a get together with friends and supporters from 7:30-10 p.m. June 20 at the Fireside Grill and Bar, 133 S. Main St. (Route 79), Marlboro. A $50 ticket includes beer, wine and appetizers. All are welcome to attend. All proceeds from the event will benefit FSHD research, according to Carrino.
Tickets may be purchased at ChrisCarrinoFoundation.org or at the door.
Carrino said he began to feel the effects of the disease when he was in college and was finally diagnosed in his early 20’s.
“I know what it is like to hear a doctor tell you that you suffer from a progressive, debilitating disease with no proven treatment options and no cure. From that point on, your life is never the same. But I was determined to continue on the path I set forth. I had dreams of a career in sports broadcasting and dreams of having a family. I was determined not to let FSHD get in the way of those dreams,” he said.
Chris and Laura Carrino are the parents of a son, Chris, 12.
For years, Carrino said, he kept his condition private, although he knew he eventually wanted to help others who were facing the same battle.
“It was my wife, Laura, my rock, the person who inspires me every day to be a better man, who finally convinced me it was time. In 2011, the Chris Carrino Foundation was launched and together with all our volunteers and donors, we have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for FSHD research. Together, our mission is to promote awareness, provide hope and inspiration, and ultimately find a treatment and a cure for those suffering from FSHD,” Carrino said.