The First Fight
When Anthony Muoio was just four months old, his parents knew something wasn't right.
At first, doctors believed he had a virus. Anthony was vomiting but had no fever and no other obvious symptoms. The family was repeatedly reassured that he would recover. Yet as the days passed, his condition continued to worsen.
"We kept hearing the same thing over and over," his mother, Sarah, recalled. "It's just a virus."
The family's concern grew when they noticed changes in their normally happy baby. Anthony became upset in crowded places and around loud noises. Looking back, doctors believe he was likely experiencing headaches caused by increasing pressure inside his skull.
Then came the moment Sarah will never forget.
"I looked over at him and knew something wasn't right," she said. "I told them, 'Do a scan. Something is wrong with him.'"
The scan revealed a rare brain tumor called a choroid plexus papilloma located deep in the center of Anthony's brain.
Doctors later told the family that had they waited only a few more hours, the consequences could have been grave.
Just days before his five-month birthday, Anthony was rushed to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, where doctors assembled a specialized team to save his life.
Doctors discovered a major artery wrapped around the tumor, requiring both a neurosurgeon and vascular surgeon to perform an incredibly delicate procedure. The operation lasted nine and a half hours.
"Our surgeon was incredible," Sarah said. "We asked him to treat Anthony like he was his own child. He told us, 'I do that for every kid.'"
Against overwhelming odds, the surgery was successful, and eight days later, Anthony was lying in a hospital bed with a huge smile on his face. Sarah still keeps the photograph.
"It's our perspective photo," she said. "If a child can be laying there eight days after brain surgery smiling like that, it reminds you what resilience really looks like."
Today, Anthony still undergoes medical monitoring. About 18 months after surgery, he was diagnosed with epilepsy, a common complication following brain surgery. EEGs, testing, and follow-up appointments remain part of his life.
Ask Anthony what the hardest part has been and his answer comes quickly: "Tests and needles."
Still, those who know him describe him as one of the most positive people they have ever met.
It Takes an Army
The inspiration for Anthony’s Army – a charitable organization that helps raise awareness and medical support around pediatric cancer – came from an unexpected place.
Before Anthony became sick, his family volunteered at Homes for the Brave, an organization that supports veterans experiencing homelessness. They had planned another visit shortly after Anthony's diagnosis but had to cancel because he was hospitalized. The veterans wanted to help.
"They had almost nothing," Sarah said. "But they got him a teddy bear. One man had walked miles to get there. Another made him hand-drawn superhero artwork. They had balloons waiting for him."
Anthony still has those gifts today.
"That was the real birth of Anthony’s Army," Sarah said. The experience taught the family an important lesson they have continued to carry with them: often the people who understand hardship the most are the first to help others. And that’s exactly what Anthony has been up to over the last decade.
After hearing that the effective treatment for Anthony's type of tumor did not exist just a few years earlier, the Muoios wanted to continue the work of advancing medical research in the field, just as other families had done before them. One year after surgery, Anthony’s Army launched its first major project, Bags of Hope.
The family collected bags filled with blankets, notebooks, gift cards, headphones, water bottles, and other necessities for families staying at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital. The project quickly gained support throughout Milford and helped Anthony's Army grow into a community movement focused on pediatric brain tumor awareness and childhood cancer advocacy.
"It's really become a reflection of Anthony's life," Sarah said.
The organization partners with local businesses, schools, sports teams, veterans groups, and community organizations throughout Milford. Anthony himself has spent countless afternoons walking into local businesses and asking for support. Whether it's a raffle prize, sponsorship, or donation, he has become known for his determination and genuine passion for the cause.
That effort has fueled lemonade stands, Italian ice fundraisers, community dinners, comedy events, raffles, and a recent Wiffle ball tournament that drew nearly 90 participants.
Looking Ahead
For several years, Anthony has also given up birthday gifts and asked friends and family to donate to childhood cancer causes instead.
Four years ago, he became involved with Tap Cancer Out, a national organization that raises money through Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments. Each year, Anthony dedicates his competition to someone battling cancer. Sometimes it's a child. Sometimes it's a friend. Sometimes it's a member of the Milford community.
The results have been remarkable.
Anthony is currently the top youth fundraiser in Connecticut for Tap Cancer Out and ranks among the organization's top youth fundraisers nationwide. With the personal goal of surpassing $50,000 in lifetime fundraising, Anthony exceeded it by thousands of dollars, raising more than $58,000 in just four years.
Now entering sixth grade at East Shore Middle School, Anthony's life looks much different than it did eleven years ago.
He plays baseball, wrestles, trains in jiu-jitsu five days a week, and dreams of one day becoming either a mechanic or carpenter. Through organizations like The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, he has formed friendships with athletes, veterans, business owners, and community leaders across the region.
Despite everything he has been through, Anthony remains focused on giving back, with his next project focused on raising money to place a pool table in the children's recreation area at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital in memory of a Milford friend and mentor.
Ask him what he loves most about Milford, and his answer reflects the same gratitude that inspired Anthony's Army.
"I love Milford. We have the best restaurants, businesses, and community. There's lots of fun stuff to do. I like the people the best because they support a lot of good for causes like mine and are so nice. Sometimes it feels like Milford is a big family. It makes me really happy that it's my home."
Anthony's story began with a devastating diagnosis and a fight for survival. Today, it has become something much larger: a movement powered by kindness, community, and a young boy determined to help others facing challenges of their own.
"If a child can be laying there eight days after brain surgery smiling like that, it reminds you what resilience really looks like."