Charlie Capalbo died in April following a marathon battle with lymphoma and leukemia. Now his family is taking on a marathon of their own in his honor. They’ll be among the thousands of people walking Sunday in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, which raises money for all types of cancer care and research.

Donations to the Capalbo Strong team specifically go to pediatric leukemia research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

“We promised him we’d always keep trying to raise awareness…to raise money…and to help others…have better outcomes,” said dad Anthony Capalbo, choking up.

It’s been just five months since his son passed away at Boston Children’s Hospital, one month shy of his 24th birthday. Charlie Capalbo endured four bouts of cancer and 745 nights in the hospital over five years. The former hockey goalie beat cancer three times in what became known as the ultimate hat trick. His relentless optimism and fight inspired the local community and the hockey world.

“I don’t know when it gets easier,” said Anthony Capalbo reflecting on the loss of his son. Still, the family has kept going, putting one foot in front of the other, not just figuratively but literally as they train to tackle 26.2 miles this weekend.

Mom Jenny Capalbo said training for the walk has helped their family grieve.

“It literally forces us out of bed every day because we promised Charlie we would keep moving and never stay under our covers all day. And we wake up in the morning, and we have to walk,” Jenny Capalbo explained.

She told News 12 she’d hoped maybe 40 or 50 people would join the Capalbo Strong team. So far, 132 people have signed up.

“The support that we still get for Charlie is humbling,” said Jenny Capalbo as she wiped tears from her eyes. “We like to say that we are the luckiest unlucky people just to have so much love and support around us.”

Caroline Kinney, of Fairfield, is among those walking with the Capalbos in Boston. “Everyone’s hearts have been stolen by Charlie and his family,” Kinney said. “I want his legacy to go on, and if I can be a small part of it, walking 26.2 miles is nothing.”

Susie Richards is among the team members doing the walk remotely at home in Fairfield. “I will always do whatever I can to raise funds so no family ever has to go through this heartache again,” Richards explained.

Team Capalbo Strong will carry cutouts of Charlie Capalbo through the years as they walk Sunday. But they also know he’ll be with them in spirit.

“100%, absolutely, every step,” said Anthony Capalbo.

“I’m sure he’ll be smiling down,” added Jenny Capalbo.

If you’re interested in making a donation for the walk or joining the team, you can click here.

MORE: 22-year-old man battling cancer for 3rd time is 'Capalbo Strong'
MORE: Community holds welcome home parade for resident returning from cancer treatment
MORE: Fairfield hockey team honors former teammate fighting cancer for 4th time
MORE: 'He was resilient.' Fairfield hockey player Charlie Capalbo dies after several bouts with cancer
MORE: Supporters give $24 donations in honor of Charlie Capalbo's 24th birthday
MORE: Parker Project's benefit concert pays tribute to the life of Charlie Capalbo