December 2023: Nick Strong Foundation Updates
December was definitely one of the most difficult months to get through without Nick here.
However, as time goes on, each day seems to be tougher and tougher. We miss him more than anything and not having him here for Christmas was heartbreaking. We set up his tree from the hospital last year with all of the ornaments that were gifted to him and hung special ornaments on our tree that were gifted to us in memory of him. These small things brought some peace and special memories to our home. Being surrounded by family and friends was comforting to all of us.
As difficult as the days are, it is what we do with our days that get us through to the next. This foundation has been extremely therapeutic in more ways than one. By helping other families and supporting research is what will keep Nick’s legacy alive.
Community Events
On December 16th we had over 50 riders participate in the Cycle Strong event hosted by the Adirondack Club to benefit the Nick Strong Foundation. This event was made possible by the amazing cycle instructors that donated their time, the Adirondack Club for organizing it and all our dedicated supporters that signed up to ride. This event raised $6,765 for the foundation!
Upcoming Events
I am excited to announce that this April, the Nick Strong Foundation has received our first charity bibs for the Boston Marathon!
We hope this is the first of many years that we will have a team of runners fundraising and carrying the Nick Strong Foundation name across the famous finish line on Boylston Street. This year, we have decided to raise money for two charities that have a special place in our heart, Boston Children’s Hospital and Nick Strong Foundation.
Running the 2024 marathon will be Jen Gaspar, Jenn Pasquarosa, Tara Taccini and Jess Gaspar.
The first fundraising event will be February 9th at 6pm at the Elks Lodge in Franklin. Click HERE to learn more.
This epic night out includes Musical Bingo, Live Entertainment by Powerplay Band, Amazing Raffle Baskets & Raffle Items, Silent Auction, 50/50 Raffle, Food, Cash Bar, Gavin & Nick Strong Merchandise will be available to purchase as well.
Tickets are now available for purchase $50 per ticket or 2 for $75 available thru 1/9 – after this date ticket prices will increase. Come out and show your
Support for Team Miles for Miracles and Team Nick Strong and wear your best Valentines Day Attire (Prize awarded for best dressed!!) 
Our Mission in Action
The Nick Strong Foundation made a delivery to the Jimmy Fund with lots of gifts for them to use throughout the year for patients. Some of these items were water bottles, hats, journals, and stuffies. We also gifted all patient parents on the Neuro-Oncology floor at Boston Children’s Hospital that were spending Christmas in the hospital with a Starbucks gift card. We couldn’t forget the staff that was working on the holiday so we gifted them with muffins and Starbucks gift cards as well.
Franklin High School Senior, Sasha Tracey was kind enough to make Nick Strong ornaments to sell to raise money for the foundation. You can see how talented she is when looking at these beautiful handmade ornaments. She is also extremely compassionate, as she did this on her own time and gave all profit to the NS Foundation.
When Nick was in the hospital he received platelets and blood transfusions regularly. We know firsthand how critical donors are to all the children receiving care at Children’s Hospital and Jimmy Fund. If you are looking for ways to give back, they are always looking for donors. Click HERE to register for an appointment to donate blood or platelets. If you donate, send us a photo (steph.carroll27@gmail.com) and we’ll create a collage of the donors in a few months.
