Every child deserves a childhood – and for those battling critical illnesses, your support, and the magical strength of a wish coming true, gives much-needed hope and ambition for brighter days ahead.
Welcome and thank you. Life-changing wishes make a difference – and they wouldn't happen without your generosity and organizations like Make-a-Wish New Jersey.
Our Inspiration
Children with hope fight – and success takes many forms. In December of 2020, Frankie LaSasso V, our inspiration for this effort, was diagnosed with a form T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. He battled and never lost his powerful optimism. And on April 12, 2023, after 886 days, he celebrated his final chemo treatment by ringing the bell on the field during the fifth inning of a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. This summer, Frankie was granted his wish by Make-a-Wish New Jersey; he and his family were able to take a vacation to Hawaii that had been planned prior to his diagnosis.
Jim Taylor (jptaylor1924@gmail.com) and Gary LaSasso (gmlasasso@verizon.net), a proud relative of Frankie’s, have joined to create this fundraiser to raise $15,000 to help grant wishes for children like Frankie who are facing great challenges. Last year, with your support we exceeded our goal and raised more than $17,000.
To earn your support, on November 9th of this year, Jim, Gary and others will be joining thousands of runners from around the world for the official Rocky "Italian Stallion" challenge, a Half-Marathon ending at the famed Art Museum steps.
Please consider donating and help make wishes come true!
If you are interested in joining us on the Rocky Run (from 5K to half), please visit https://rockyrun.com/, and during the registration process, please select the team Make-a-Wish New Jersey.
