About Chris Perri

About Chris

Chris Perri was a husband, father, friend, and outdoorsman. Chris was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in June of 2020. Chris lost his courageous, seven-month battle in January of 2021.

Chris' AML was incredibly aggressive and didn't respond to traditional chemo therapies. His final option was a clinical trial. Chris said from the beginning that if the trial wasn't successful for him but the medical community learned something because of his participation then its was all worth it. That was Chris, selfless and always thinking of others before himself. Chris believed in research and asked his closest friends and family to find ways to give back to research in his memory. 

Chris was a graduate of East Carolina University and a very proud Pirate. Chris worked as a financial advisor with PNC. Chris was an adoring father to two beautiful children, Wiggs (6) and Ann Carlyle (4). He was a loving and devoted husband who found true joy in his family. Chris was a Carteret County local and an avid outdoorsman; he enjoyed hunting but was happiest when he was fighting a blue marlin offshore. Chris was selfless and kind; genuine and loyal; dapper and witty. He touched countless lives through his cancer journey, sharing the love of Christ and strengthening the faith of others.

About the Tournament

The primary goal of the Tournament is to raise funds for AML research and share Chris' love of fishing with the next generation of fishermen and women through the CPM Kids Tournament. The funds raised will be part of an endowment in Chris' name at UNC where they will directly impact AML research, patients and providers.

In memory of Chris, the CPM Board of Directors proudly donated $20,000 to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2023. This contribution, aimed at fueling AML research, honors his commitment to medical research and continues to drive our efforts.

Thank you to our amazing participants, volunteers and sponsors for your support. Together, we're contributing to vital AML research and keeping Chris’s legacy alive through our shared passion for fishing.

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With love,
​CPM Billfish Tournament Board