Local Man Receives Outpouring of Support From New York Jets, Community

A giant crowd and several New York Jets  descended upon the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Eatontown on Tuesday to support a local man who is fighting for his life.

A fundraiser was organized for Toms River native Michael Manganiello, a contractor based out of Ocean Township, who is suffering from acute myelofibrosis.

The rare disease causes progressive scarring of the bone marrow and impairs the body's ability to make blood cells.

Manganiello's only chance of survival is a bone marrow transplant, but his family and friends are hoping the event, called A Match For Michael, will help find a donor.

Any guests who attended the fundraiser agreed to have their cheek swabbed to see if they could be a potential donor for Manganiello.

The proceeds of the event will also be split between Manganiello's family and the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP).

A Match For Michael was organized by several of Manganiello's family and friends. One family friend reached out to Jets Defensive Coordinator Mike Pettine, knowing that Manganiello is a huge Jets fan, and asked if he would like to help out with the event.

Pettine did more than just help, he got several players and coaches to donate their time to attend the fundraiser and also brought along memorabilia signed by Jets players.

Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan said he was not surprised at the large turnout for the event.

"You knew it was going to be a great event if Mike (Pettine) is involved in it," Ryan said. "The type of effort it took on his part, I knew it was going to be a real nice event

Jets defensive lineman Sione Pouha said he was happy to come out and help Manganiello.

"Whenever you can help somebody, that's a real treat," Pouha said. "We want to help him out and get him a match."

Other Jets players in attendance were linebacker Aaron Maybin, quarterback Mark Sanchez, who also posed for pictures and signed autographs for fans.

Several local restaurants donated desserts and other treats for the fundraiser including Rook Coffee Roasters, of Long Branch and Oakhurst, Sickles Market, of Little Silver and Nina's Waffles and Sweets of Red Bank.

Other items were auctioned off throughout the night including gift baskets from other local restaurants and shops.

Manganiello's friends and families expressed their gratitude on the event's Facebook page.

"Thank you to everyone that came out to support the Match For Michael," a message on the page stated. "It was a big success and amazing to see how many people attended."