We are dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer research and helping pediatric cancer patients and their families

Nick Gaspar 3v3 Basketball Tournament
Join us at our first Nick Strong Foundation fundraising event. This will be an annual basketball tournament in memory of Nick Gaspar. All proceeds will go to The Nick Strong Foundation, a 501(c)3, which donates to pediatric brain tumor research and assists pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Nicholas T. “Nick” Gaspar
May 19, 2023
Nicholas “Nick” Gaspar, 16-year-old resident of Franklin, MA, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family on May 19, 2023. Born in Boston on October 18, 2006, Nick was the beloved son of Timothy and Jennifer (Branco-Caton) Gaspar, best friend and twin brother of Jordan, adoring older brother of Lillian and grandson of Stephen and Kathleen Gaspar of Dartmouth, MA and Jo-Ann Branco and Melvin Caton of Cambridge.
Nick was a straight-A student, an exceptional basketball and lacrosse player, and a passionate fan of anything related to the University of North Carolina. His love of UNC basketball and lacrosse remained unshakable, despite his Dad and brother being avid Duke fans. During summers, Nick enjoyed spending time with his feet in the sand on the beaches of Cape Cod, on the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee where he loved to waterski, wakeboard and go on long boat rides, or at home with his family playing basketball in the driveway with his dad and brother or fetch in the yard with his dog, Pierce.
Nick’s exceptional ability to make people laugh was one of his greatest gifts, and he brought this joy and humor to the lives of everyone he encountered. Nick’s kindness, laughter and positivity persisted throughout his treatment. He remained a true example of dignity and grace, ultimately developing a strong faith in God. Nick’s unwavering determination, hope, courage, strength and never give-up attitude during his two year battle with cancer was an inspiration to those around him.






Our Story
Our son Nicholas was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May of 2021. Nick was 14 years old at the time and finishing up 8th grade. Nick didn’t show the typical symptoms that raise awareness for a brain tumor. He became withdrawn and fatigued. We thought he was possibly depressed. We reached out to his pediatrician and school counselor.
By the end of the week he was off balance and had a tremor in his left hand. That’s when his pediatrician sent us directly to Boston Children’s Hospital…



“
Sometimes life is hard but that isn’t an excuse to give up.
— Nick Gaspar