Spring 2026 Updates
This spring marked the third anniversary of Nick’s passing. We are deeply grateful to all of you who reached out with your kind words, support, and encouragement. Your continued commitment to our family and to The Nick Strong Foundation means more than we can express. Thank you for helping us honor Nick’s legacy and for standing with us as we continue our mission.
Community Events & Our Mission In Action
On April 4th, the Franklin High School Boys Lacrosse team held their Community Night honoring Nick Gaspar, Anthony Gates and Gavin Beaulieu. It was a special evening dedicated to bringing together players, families, friends, and community members in support of causes that have touched the lives of many. We are incredibly grateful to the Franklin High School Lacrosse program, coaches, players, parents, and fans for their support and for helping keep the memories of Nick, Anthony, and Gavin alive.
On April 20th, Jen Gaspar & Dave Freedman along with their Boston Children’s Hospital Team, Miles for Miracles, ran the 130th Boston Marathon. Their team collectively raised over 4 million dollars for Boston Children’s Hospital. This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the generosity of countless donors who contributed to the team’s fundraising efforts. Every donation, no matter the size, helps advance pediatric research, improve patient care, and provide hope to children and families facing serious illnesses.
We are proud to recognize an incredible group of high school student-athletes who participated in the Lacrosse Out Cancer Challenge for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, turning their passion for sports into meaningful action for children battling cancer. Shout out to their leaders, New Hampton’s, Jack O’Connor and Bishop Feehan’s, Maggie Freedman. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every player, coach, family member, and supporter who contributed to this year’s challenge. Your efforts bring hope to children facing cancer and help advance research toward safer, more effective treatments.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Franklin Youth Lacrosse, Kayla Jean Nisbet from Kayla Jean Creative and Franklin Recreation for their thoughtful creation of a memorial mural on the lacrosse wall at Beaver Field honoring the lives of Nick Gaspar, Anthony Gates, and Gavin Beaulieu. This beautiful tribute serves as a lasting reminder of three remarkable young people whose memories continue to inspire our community. We are deeply appreciative of everyone who contributed their time, talent, and dedication to bringing this mural to life.
Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Nick Gaspar award and scholarship, Cole McInery. This award recognizes a senior lacrosse player who embodies the qualities that defined Nick’s life and legacy: humility, courage, determination, resilience, and perseverance. These characteristics reflect not only how challenges are faced, but also how others are supported, encouraged, and inspired along the way.
Congratulations, Cole, on this well-earned recognition. We wish you continued success as you carry these values forward and make a positive impact in all that you do.
On June 15th we held our 3rd Annual Nick Strong Golf Tournament at New England Country Club in Bellingham. Seeing so many family and friends gathered together means more to us than words can express. It is a reminder that Nick’s life continues to make an impact and that his memory lives on.
The event is about more than golf. It’s about hope. It’s about funding the research that can lead to better treatments, better outcomes, and ultimately a cure. Every dollar raised at the event will go directly to Jackson Laboratory, where extensive germ cell tumor research is being done. We are proud to announce that The Nick Strong Foundation will be donating $30,000.00 to Jackson Laboratory.
Listen to our podcast recap here: Golf Recap & special guest Meryl Summers
Link to photos: click HERE
If you are able, please donate blood or platelets to The Blood Donor Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. They are always in need of blood and platelet donations. Click HERE to sign up
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and supporters, The Nick Strong Foundation was able to provide financial assistance to six pediatric cancer families this quarter. During an incredibly challenging time, these grants help ease some of the financial burden, allowing families to focus on their children.
Upcoming Events
Boston’s BAA Half Marathon: Join Dana Farber’s Team Nick Strong on November 8, 2026. Our team has raised $125,953.18 over the past 4 years. Help make year 5 a memorable one and hit that $150k goal! Click HERE and select JOIN OUR TEAM
4th Annual Nick Gaspar 3v3 Basketball Tournament & Clinic will be held on November 11, 2026 at Franklin High School. Stay tuned for registration in the fall.
