BRIELLE — The North vs. South Sports Challenge 2025 will be held in support of the Leso family of Brick. Registration is available through CommunityPass for $20 per person, and the deadline for sign-ups is May 11.
John Devereux, Brielle Recreation board member, said that the event will be for the costs associated with the Leso family’s son, Donovan.
According to Devereux, Donovan is a 5-year-old boy who was diagnosed with an ependymoma anaplastic Grade 3 brain tumor at 15 months of age. He’s had five highly invasive surgeries to remove the tumor; the second and third of which left Donovan with posterior fossa syndrome, which left him without control of his motor skills.
“While he has regained his ability to talk, eat and most of his fine motor skills, he is still learning to walk and uses a walker for assistance. Donovan’s physical disabilities have never discouraged him from being his happy self. He’s the only child to Nicole and Chris Leso who live in Brick. Nicole was born and raised in Brielle and maintains close ties to members of the community,” said Devereux.
According to Devereux, Donovan and his parents have traveled all over New Jersey, New York and Boston for his other surgeries, radiation treatments and trials. He is currently being treated at Dana Farber in Boston. Thanks to Donovan’s most recent surgery in November in Boston, he currently has no measurable disease.
“He and his parents stayed in Boston for six weeks following the surgery for radiation therapy to treat any microscopic disease which has caused his other recurrences. Donovan continues monthly care in Boston on an immunotherapy trial and chemotherapy treatment. He continues to attend school and thrives at home,” said Devereux.
Devereux said that as people get ready to participate in the event, it is important to remember why the event was created, which is to raise money for a cause that Brielle Recreation members believe merits some financial assistance.
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